Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that efforts were underway to provide further relief to low and middle-income groups amid the ongoing Iran conflict, adding that a series of sacrifices had begun with cuts in government expenditure.

Chairing a meeting to review the impact of the Gulf crisis on petroleum products, current reserves and public relief measures, the prime minister said that in the current circumstances, the economically weak would not be left alone.

Officials briefed the meeting on the implementation of government measures to conserve fuel, the future plan of action and existing stock levels.

An audit report by the Intelligence Bureau on the progress of the government-launched austerity campaign was presented in the meeting.

Reacting to the report, the prime minister said the government had reduced spending, cut the development budget and stopped using 60% of government vehicles.

He said funds saved through these measures were being used for public relief, adding that digital systems would be implemented to ensure relief reached the public.

The prime minister said that despite a global crisis, timely decisions had prevented any disruption in fuel supply and that Pakistan was making diplomatic efforts to ensure peace in the region.