Govt allocates Rs128bn for public relief: PM

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the federal government has absorbed roughly Rs128 billion in the wake of the war, with the aim of protecting citizens from a steep jump in prices. Speaking at a Federal Cabinet meeting, he explained that the funds were drawn by trimming the Public Sector Development Programme, known as PSDP. Mettis Global reported that provincial governments later took part and paid their full share.

Sharif voiced optimism that conditions will improve over the next few days and weeks, adding that Pakistan's efforts on this front are continuing. He also called for an early easing of tensions and a broader improvement in the overall situation.

He tied the outcome to economic steps taken across two and a half years, which he said are gradually producing gains. He stressed that a return to normal conditions is essential to sustain that progress.