Nawaz asks Shehbaz to pass petrol price cut to consumers

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif at Jati Umra, where he was asked to make sure the benefit of recent cuts in petroleum product prices reaches consumers, Express News reported.

The meeting lasted about an hour and a half, according to Express News, during which the prime minister briefed the party leader on the country's political and economic situation. A statement issued afterwards by the Prime Minister's Office said Shehbaz took Nawaz into confidence on law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and on recent steps taken for the development of the province's people. The statement said he also briefed him on the government's ongoing reforms, particularly economic reforms, the challenges the country faces and the measures taken to address them. The two held detailed consultation on political affairs and on steps to improve the economy, it said.

According to Express News, Nawaz told the prime minister that the reduction in petroleum product prices should be passed on to the public, and that controlling inflation was the way to give people relief. He said policies should be framed so that the prices of daily-use items stay low.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz attended the meeting, the PM Office statement said.

Aaj News, citing sources it did not name, reported that the two leaders agreed to concentrate on the government's performance and the country's development instead of political confrontation. Those sources said Ishaq Dar was given a special task to improve the political environment and reduce tension, and that it was agreed to settle matters with the ruling coalition's partners, particularly the PML-Q, and to resolve differences with other allies through talks.

Aaj News also reported that the meeting discussed PML-N's strategy for upcoming local government elections and decided to bring forward loyal and active young leadership. Maryam Nawaz, who attended, presented her view on provincial administrative affairs and the current political situation, according to the same report.

Aaj News described the meeting as having taken place the previous day. Express News did not give a date for it.