President Zardari, PM Shehbaz discuss national security, economy in key meeting

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday held a high-level meeting to review Pakistan’s overall security situation, regional developments, and key economic challenges, the President’s Secretariat said.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and National Security Adviser Asim Malik.

Participants exchanged views on the evolving regional situation and its implications for Pakistan, reviewing the broader national security landscape amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

The discussion also covered economic and energy challenges, with the leadership stressing the need for a coordinated national strategy and institutional harmony to address emerging risks.

The meeting followed a quadrilateral dialogue led by Ishaq Dar with counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt aimed at exploring diplomatic avenues to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.

The conflict, triggered by recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliation, has heightened regional tensions and impacted global energy markets.

Dar said the participating countries supported potential U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad and agreed to establish a mechanism for follow-up.

He added that Pakistan remains ready to facilitate dialogue, noting both Washington and Tehran have expressed confidence in Islamabad’s role as a mediator.