Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad to assess the risk of an energy crisis in light of escalating regional tensions. The meeting brought together top civil and military leadership, including Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, senior federal ministers, and chief ministers from all provinces.
Participants were briefed on the potential impact of the ongoing situation on petroleum supplies and the broader energy sector. Officials discussed contingency plans, including austerity measures and strategies to manage fuel consumption, as concerns grow over possible supply disruptions.
Sources indicated that petroleum pricing was a key focus of the meeting. The federal government urged provinces to share the financial burden of subsidies on petroleum products. Authorities also reviewed the option of transferring the full impact of rising global oil prices to consumers, a move that could have significant economic implications.
The prime minister emphasized Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the region. He stated that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Asim Munir are actively engaged in strategic and diplomatic initiatives aimed at de-escalation and promoting dialogue.
During the session, Ishaq Dar also briefed participants on his recent visit to China and ongoing mediation efforts between Iran and the United States. Earlier, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari met the prime minister, accompanied by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, to discuss the evolving situation and its potential impact on the country.