President, PM discuss security, economic challenges amid ME escalation

-- PM Shehbaz Sharif briefs President Asif Ali Zardari on national security landscape

-- The huddle assesses fallout of Middle East tensions and recent diplomatic engagements

-- Focus on fuel crisis, economic pressures, and internal security challenges

-- Emphasis on institutional coordination and a cohesive national response

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday called on President Asif Ali Zardari here at Aiwan-i-Sadr to deliberate on the country’s overall national security situation and key challenges, according to a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat.

The high-level meeting brought together senior civil and security leadership, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, National Security Adviser and ISI Director General Asim Malik, among others.

Participants held a detailed review of the evolving regional environment, particularly in light of ongoing Middle East tensions and their potential implications for Pakistan’s security and economic stability.

The meeting followed closely on the heels of the recent quadrilateral ministerial meeting in Islamabad, where the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt explored pathways for an early and lasting resolution to the regional conflict.

The discussion also focused on domestic challenges, including economic pressures, energy security, and internal stability, with particular attention to the impact of global oil market volatility. The leadership underscored the importance of maintaining preparedness and ensuring effective policy responses amid rapidly changing geopolitical conditions.

According to the statement, the participants stressed the need for a coordinated national strategy and stronger institutional harmony to address the multifaceted challenges confronting the country. The emphasis remained on aligning economic management, energy planning, and security policies to ensure stability and safeguard public interests.

The meeting builds on last week’s similar high-level consultation chaired by President Zardari, which also included Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, where officials reviewed economic and energy challenges, fuel conservation measures, and public relief efforts amid rising global uncertainties.