Pakistan emphasizes coordinated economic, energy response to regional tensions

Pakistan’s top civilian and military leaders on Thursday stressed the need for national consensus and closer institutional coordination to address emerging regional challenges, as the country faces pressure from rising energy costs and geopolitical uncertainty.

A high-level consultative meeting chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr reviewed the evolving economic and energy situation in the context of oil supply constraints, rising oil prices and regional security developments, according to a statement issued by the presidency.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir attended the meeting, along with senior cabinet members and economic officials.

Participants included Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, PPP Chairman and former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Oil Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema and Finance Secretary.

Read: Pakistan offers to host Iran-US talks

The meeting reviewed fluctuations in global oil and gas supplies and their impact on Pakistan’s economy, with particular emphasis on controlling inflation and ensuring energy security.

The Finance and Oil Ministers briefed participants on measures to stabilize oil prices, manage the knock-on effects of rising fuel costs across economic sectors and enforce fiscal discipline through austerity measures to reduce spending pressures.

The broader regional situation was also discussed, including its implications for Pakistan’s security, economic prospects and food security. Participants agreed that economic management, energy planning, food security and broader security considerations must remain closely aligned to meet the challenges ahead.

The meeting highlighted the importance of maintaining national consensus and strengthening institutional coordination, emphasizing that policy decisions must prioritize stability while safeguarding public interests.

Officials also stressed the need for public awareness campaigns to reduce fuel consumption, encourage the use of public transportation and promote shared transportation systems.

Earlier on Thursday, Pakistan’s foreign minister said indirect communications between the United States and Iran took place through messages relayed by Pakistan, with Turkey and Egypt also supporting diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East.

“There has been unnecessary speculation in the media regarding peace talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In reality, indirect talks between the United States and Iran are taking place through messages relayed by Pakistan,” the minister wrote on X.

He said Washington shared 15 points with Tehran that were under consideration. “Brotherly countries of Türkiye and Egypt, among others, also support this initiative. »

“Pakistan remains fully committed to promoting peace and continues to do everything possible to ensure stability in the region and beyond. Dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward!” he added.

Learn more: Iran rejects US proposal, sets five conditions to end war (state TV)

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said earlier that there had been no negotiations with the United States, although messages had been exchanged through intermediaries.

“The messages conveyed by our friendly countries and our response by stating our positions or issuing necessary warnings are not called negotiation or dialogue,” Araqchi said in an interview on state television on Wednesday. “It’s just an exchange of messages through our friends.”

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said Iran was eager to reach a deal to end nearly four weeks of fighting, contradicting Tehran’s position that it was considering a US proposal but had no intention of entering into formal negotiations to end the conflict.