Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari chaired a high-level consultative meeting in Islamabad today to review the evolving economic and energy situation in the backdrop of oil supply constraints, rising petroleum prices, and regional security developments. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, among other key government officials.

According to Radio Pakistan, the meeting delved into the impact of fluctuations in global oil and gas supplies and prices on Pakistan's economy, with a particular focus on managing inflationary pressures and ensuring energy security. The Ministers for Finance and Petroleum provided briefings on ongoing measures to stabilize petroleum prices, mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs on various sectors, and enforce fiscal discipline through austerity measures to ease expenditure pressures.

The broader regional situation also featured prominently in the discussions, including its implications for Pakistan's security, economic outlook, and food security. The meeting emphasized the need for a coordinated national response, highlighting that policy decisions must prioritize stability while safeguarding public interests.

Participants 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 highlighted the need for public awareness to reduce fuel consumption, encourage the use of public transportation, and promote shared ride systems, reflecting a comprehensive approach to addressing the nation's current challenges.