ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday directed the relevant authorities to check electricity and gas tariff, so as the prices could be stabilized at sustainable basis, and masses be provided maximum relief.

“The foremost priority of the present government was masses especially the low income and poverty stricken people as well as the promotion of industries so as to push the wheels of economy,” he said while presiding over a meeting in Islamabad.

Also Read: Export the only way to increase dollar reserves, says Abdul Hafeez Sheikh

The prime minister was told that people were facing the brunt of hike in electricity and gas tariff due to the previous governments’ agreements energy sectors.

The meeting was informed that the effective measures taken by the present government to check power pilferage resulted in the extra income of 122 billion rupees in electricity sector.

The second Global Consumer Confidence Index survey revealed that about 31 per cent of Pakistanis either lost their jobs or met people who lost their jobs in 2019.

Research findings from IPSOS, a global research firm, emerged on January 16.

It said about 83 per cent of Pakistanis are afraid to lose their jobs. Inflation, unemployment and increasing poverty were concerns that troubled most people.

Citizens had lost their confidence in the economy, and were hesitant to invest, according to the survey. About 17 per cent of the country’s entrepreneurs are afraid of losses, and only 21 per cent believed the economy was heading in the right direction.

“In the last year, inflation was high and economic growth fell,” said Dr Talat Hussain, dean of the Institute of Islamic Banking.

 “Due to inflation, people’s perceptions regarding the economy have worsened,” he said.