Amid regional tensions
\nZardari-led meeting reviews oil supply risks, security outlook as Islamabad relays US-Iran messages
\n islamabad
\nPakistan\u2019s top civilian and military leadership on Thursday stressed the need for national consensus and closer institutional coordination to tackle emerging regional challenges, as the country faces pressure from rising energy costs and geopolitical uncertainty.
\nA high-level consultative meeting chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr reviewed the evolving economic and energy situation against the backdrop of oil supply constraints, rising petroleum prices and regional security developments, according to a statement issued by the Presidency.
\nPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir attended the meeting, along with senior cabinet members and economic officials.
\nParticipants included Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, PPP Chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema and the finance secretary.
\nThe meeting reviewed fluctuations in global oil and gas supplies and their impact on Pakistan\u2019s economy, with particular focus on controlling inflation and ensuring energy security.
\nFinance and petroleum ministers briefed participants on measures to stabilise petroleum prices, manage the spillover effects of rising fuel costs across economic sectors and enforce fiscal discipline through austerity measures aimed at reducing expenditure pressures.
\nThe broader regional situation also came under discussion, including implications for Pakistan\u2019s security, economic outlook and food security. Participants agreed that economic management, energy planning, food security and wider security considerations must remain closely aligned to address the challenges ahead. The meeting underscored the importance of maintaining national consensus and strengthening institutional coordination, emphasising that policy decisions must prioritise stability while safeguarding public interests.
\nOfficials also highlighted the need for public awareness campaigns to reduce fuel consumption, encourage the use of public transport and promote shared ride systems.
\nEarlier Thursday, Pakistan\u2019s foreign minister said indirect communication between the United States and Iran was taking place through messages relayed by Pakistan, with T\u00fcrkiye and Egypt also supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East.
\n\u201cThere has been unnecessary speculation in the media regarding peace talks to end ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In reality, US-Iran indirect talks are taking place through messages being relayed by Pakistan,\u201d the minister wrote on X.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Amid regional tensions Zardari-led meeting reviews oil supply risks, security outlook as Islamabad relays US-Iran messages islamabad Pakistan\u2019s top civilian and military leadership on Thursday stressed the need for national consensus and closer institutional coordination to tackle emerging regional challenges, as the country faces pressure from rising energy costs and geopolitical uncertainty. A high-level consultative […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":538381,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-538361","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-top-news"],"yoast_head":"\n