At a meeting chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari to analyze the evolving national economic and energy situation, marked by regional tensions, representatives from various ministries agreed to closely align economic management, energy planning, food security, and security considerations.

They also stressed the need to raise public awareness to reduce fuel consumption, encourage the use of public transportation, and promote car-sharing systems.

The high-level meeting, which included Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other government officials, provided an update on current actions in the country to stabilize fuel prices and mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs on various sectors.

An update was also provided on strengthening fiscal discipline through austerity measures aimed at easing pressures on public spending, according to a report in The Nation newspaper.

Participants discussed the regional situation in a broader sense, including its implications for Pakistan’s security, economic prospects, and food security.

The meeting emphasized the need for a coordinated national response, noting that policy decisions must prioritize stability while safeguarding the public interest, the newspaper reported.

abo/arm/wmr/lrd