Pakistan: In Islamabad, a high-level consultative meeting was held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr to assess the economic, energy, and security challenges arising from the ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States (US).
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The meeting was chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari and attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, federal ministers, chief ministers of all four provinces, the prime minister of Azad Kashmir, the national security adviser, and senior officials.
Participants reviewed measures to shield vulnerable segments of society from the economic fallout of the conflict. Authorities directed that all possible steps be taken to provide relief to the public amid rising inflationary pressures. Despite stress on oil and gas supplies, it was decided to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability, while proposals to increase petroleum prices were rejected.
Under an austerity policy, instructions were issued to significantly reduce government expenditures. A proposal to implement a nationwide smart lockdown on weekends to curb fuel consumption was discussed but ultimately rejected due to concerns that it could negatively impact production and exports.
Officials noted a 25 percent increase in oil consumption despite rising prices, prompting directives for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to launch a public awareness campaign encouraging energy conservation and lifestyle changes.
The president also urged citizens to use public transport and shared mobility options. The meeting reviewed the broader impact of regional developments on Pakistan’s economy and food security, while provincial governments briefed participants on efforts to control prices and ensure availability of essential goods.
Read More: Pakistan relaying messages in US–Iran indirect talks, says Dar
Separately, President Zardari met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss national security and the evolving regional situation, reaffirming coordinated efforts to address emerging challenges.
President Zardari holds consultative meeting with PM @CMShehbaz, federal and provincial leadership to review economic, energy and regional situation, focusing on coordination, fuel conservation, public relief and mitigating impact on the common man. pic.twitter.com/BdW0vQ6ry4
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) March 30, 2026