Pakistan reviews petroleum pricing and subsidy reforms, seeks targeted support mechanism

Islamabad
The Finance Division of Pakistan held a high-level meeting on petroleum pricing and subsidy reforms under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb. Provincial leadership including Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif (virtually), Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah (virtually), Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, and KP Finance Minister Muzzammil Aslam (virtually) participated in the session.
The meeting focused on shifting from generalized fuel subsidies to a more targeted system aimed at vulnerable groups. Participants discussed the use of digital databases, cash transfer systems, and provincial coordination mechanisms to ensure efficient and transparent subsidy delivery.
Officials agreed to develop a working framework incorporating provincial input for a consensus-based policy. The government reiterated its commitment to fiscal stability while protecting low-income households.