President Zardari chairs high-level meeting on economy, energy and regional situation

President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday chaired a high-level consultative meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr to review Pakistan’s economic and energy situation amid global oil supply constraints and rising petroleum prices, alongside regional security developments, his office said.

The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and federal ministers including those for Finance, Energy, Interior, and Economic Affairs.

Officials briefed the president on measures to stabilise petroleum prices, mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs on other sectors, and maintain fiscal discipline through austerity initiatives.

The discussions also focused on managing inflationary pressures and ensuring energy security.

The meeting reviewed regional developments and their implications for Pakistan’s security, economic outlook, and food security.

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Participants stressed the need for a coordinated national response, prioritising stability while safeguarding public interests.

President Zardari highlighted the importance of national consensus and stronger institutional coordination in addressing emerging challenges.

The meeting also called for public awareness campaigns to reduce fuel consumption, encourage public transport usage, and promote shared ride systems.

The meeting emphasised on aligning economic management, energy planning, food security, and security considerations to navigate the current challenges effectively.