President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday chaired a high-level consultative meeting on the economy, energy sector and evolving regional situation, with key decisions taken to tighten austerity measures and coordinate a national response to mounting challenges.

The meeting decided to immediately withdraw 60 per cent of government vehicles from use as part of a broader cost-cutting policy aimed at reducing public expenditure, according to sources.

A proposal to impose a nationwide smart lockdown was also discussed. However, provincial governments opposed the move and advised the federal government against enforcing any countrywide restrictions.

Participants included Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, National Security Adviser Lt Gen Asim Malik, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, chief ministers of all four provinces, as well as representatives from Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, federal ministers and senior officials.

According to the official communiqué, the meeting reviewed the energy crisis, global developments and regional security dynamics, stressing the need for a coordinated national strategy to shield citizens from inflationary pressures.

President Zardari emphasised public awareness and directed authorities to take all possible steps to ease the burden of rising prices, particularly on vulnerable segments. He said weaker sections would not be left alone in difficult times.

PM Shehbaz reiterated that proposals to increase fuel prices had been repeatedly rejected. He said savings generated through austerity measures were being utilised for public relief.

A briefing informed participants that despite the global crisis, there was no disruption in fuel supply, with sufficient oil and gas reserves available and arrangements in place for future needs.

Deputy PM Dar briefed the meeting on diplomatic outreach, including contacts with the leadership of Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and informed participants about his upcoming visit to Beijing.

The meeting also directed authorities to launch a public awareness campaign to reduce fuel consumption and promote public transport usage.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to further tightening austerity measures and ensuring full implementation of energy-saving steps.

Provinces were also urged to contribute to the Rs254 billion relief package aimed at mitigating the impact of rising costs on the public.

This meeting followed a high-level consultative meeting chaired by President Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr last week, which was also attended by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and federal ministers.

According to officials, the leadership has agreed that economic management, energy planning, food security, and broader security considerations must remain closely aligned to effectively respond to current challenges.

The meeting concluded with participants reaffirming the need for a unified policy approach to safeguard Pakistan’s security and economic stability amid regional uncertainties.