ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday chaired a high-level consultative meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr to review the evolving economic and energy situation in the backdrop of oil supply constraints and rising petroleum prices, alongside regional security developments.
The meeting also discussed the evolving situation in the Middle East and Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS & Chief of Defence Forces also attended the meeting.
Other participants included Deputy Prime Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Chairman of the PPP and ex-Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Federal Minister for Interior Senator Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Federal Minister for Finance Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Energy and Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, and Secretary Finance.
The discussion also covered key domestic challenges, including national security, the economic outlook, and the ongoing energy crisis.
The meeting reviewed the impact of fluctuations in global oil and gas supplies and prices on Pakistan’s economy, with particular focus on managing inflationary pressures and ensuring energy security.
The Ministers for Finance and Petroleum briefed the meeting on ongoing measures to stabilise petroleum prices, manage the effects of rising fuel costs on other sectors of the economy, and enforce fiscal discipline through austerity measures to reduce expenditure pressures.
The broader regional situation also came under discussion, including its implications for Pakistan’s security, economic outlook, and food security. The meeting emphasised the need for a coordinated national response, noting that policy decisions must prioritise stability while safeguarding the interests of the public.
The meeting underscored the importance of maintaining national consensus and strengthening institutional coordination in view of emerging regional challenges. It was agreed that economic management, energy planning, food security, and broader security considerations must remain closely aligned to meet this challenging situation.
The meeting also emphasised the need for public awareness to reduce fuel consumption, encourage the use of public transportation, and promote shared ride systems.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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