President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday held a meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad to discuss the overall situation in the country, developments related to Afghanistan and the evolving regional landscape.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Senator Saleem Mandviwala and Dr Asim Hussain.

The participants reviewed the country’s internal and external situation, including regional tensions and matters concerning Afghanistan.

The meeting paid tribute to the martyrs of “Marka-e-Haq” and praised the professional capabilities of Pakistan’s armed forces. The leadership also reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to national defence.

President Zardari said maximum relief should be provided to the public despite the difficult geographical and regional environment, tensions in the Middle East and disruptions in global supply chains.

He directed the government to take all possible measures to reduce inflationary pressures, ensure the availability of essential commodities and provide relief to the common man.

PM Shehbaz briefed the president on the prevailing situation and ongoing government efforts to address economic and regional challenges.