In a statement posted on social media platform X, Asif said the global economy was under severe pressure due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, which had pushed petroleum product prices to record highs.

He said the government had managed to limit the increase in petrol prices through planning and sustained efforts.

“Despite the current circumstances, the government has made only a limited increase in petrol prices,” the defence minister said, adding that without timely intervention, the price could have reached Rs375 per litre.

Asif noted that many countries were facing serious economic pressure due to rising oil prices in international markets, but Pakistan had taken various steps to minimise the burden on the public.

He said the nation needed unity and wisdom during the current global situation and prayed that the Muslim world would gain the ability to distinguish between friends and adversaries.

The defence minister added that despite difficult circumstances, the government was trying to provide maximum relief to citizens while maintaining economic stability.

His remarks came a day after Ishaq Dar, Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Federal Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) Ali Pervaiz Malik announced a Rs55 per litre increase in petrol and high-speed diesel prices during a media briefing.