Pakistan emphasizes coordinated economic, energy response amid regional tensions

Pakistan’s top civilian and military leadership on Thursday stressed the need for national consensus and closer institutional coordination to tackle new 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 against the backdrop 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.

The 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, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Finance Minister Ahad Khan Cheema and the 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 focus on controlling inflation and ensuring energy security.

The finance and oil ministers briefed participants on measures to stabilize oil prices, manage spillover effects of rising fuel costs across economic sectors and enforce fiscal discipline through austerity measures aimed at reducing expenditure pressures.

The wider regional situation also came up for discussion, including the implications for Pakistan’s security, economic outlook and food security. Participants agreed that economic governance, energy planning, food security and broader security considerations must remain closely aligned to address the challenges ahead.

The meeting stressed the importance of maintaining national consensus and strengthening institutional coordination, stressing that political decisions must prioritize stability while protecting public interests.

Officials also highlighted the need for public awareness campaigns to reduce fuel consumption, encourage the use of public transport and promote carpooling systems.

Earlier on Thursday, Pakistan’s foreign minister said indirect communication between the US 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 about peace talks to end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In reality, indirect talks are taking place between the US and Iran through messages relayed by Pakistan,” the minister wrote on X.

He said Washington had shared 15 points with Tehran that were under consideration. “Brother countries Turkey and Egypt, among others, are also extending their support to this initiative.”

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

Read more: Iran rejects US proposal and outlines five conditions to end war: state television

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi earlier said there had been no talks with the US, although messages were exchanged through intermediaries.

“Messages that are conveyed through our friendly countries and we respond by stating our positions or issuing the necessary warnings are not called negotiation or dialogue,” Araqchi said in a state television interview on Wednesday. “It is simply 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 reviewing a US proposal but had no intention of opening formal talks to end the conflict.