Pakistan’s civil and military leadership agreed on Thursday to align economic management, energy planning, food security and security policies as part of a coordinated response to mounting economic and energy challenges, according to an official statement.

The agreement was reached at a high-level consultative meeting chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari at the President’s House, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and other senior cabinet members and officials.

Participants reviewed the impact of fluctuations in global oil and gas supplies and rising petroleum prices on the country’s economy, with a focus on containing inflation and ensuring energy security.

Finance and petroleum officials briefed the meeting on measures to stabilise fuel prices, limit the spillover effects of higher energy costs on other sectors and enforce austerity to reduce expenditure pressures.

The broader regional situation was also discussed, including its implications for national security, the economy and food systems.

The meeting stressed the need for a coordinated national strategy, with participants agreeing that policy decisions should prioritise stability while safeguarding public interest.

Leaders underscored the importance of maintaining national consensus and strengthening institutional coordination to address emerging challenges.

It was agreed that economic management, energy planning, food security and security considerations must remain closely aligned to effectively respond to the current situation.

The meeting also called for increased public awareness to reduce fuel consumption, promote the use of public transport and encourage shared ride systems.