Prime Minister Shehbaz chairs a meeting on austerity measures. PHOTO: SCREEN CAPTURE
ISLAMABAD:
A high-level meeting to discuss rising tensions in the region and its implications for Pakistan’s national security was held in Islamabad on Wednesday, attended by key political leaders and federal ministers.
The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, was attended by Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Balochistan Chief Minister Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind. According to sources, a delegation of government ministers also accompanied the prime minister.
The officials discussed measures taken in response to the tense security environment in the region and ongoing efforts to safeguard Pakistan’s interests. The country’s internal political situation was also a key topic of discussion.
The conflict between the United States and Israel with Iran intensifies
The meeting comes as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, particularly between Iran and Israel. Iran’s military has publicly rejected US President Donald Trump’s claims that negotiations are underway to end hostilities, with Tehran’s military claiming Washington is effectively “negotiating with itself” amid an increase in airstrikes and counterstrikes.
Read: Iran rejects Trump’s negotiation claim as airstrikes between Israel and Iran intensify
The weeks-long conflict has seen repeated exchanges of airstrikes between Iranian forces and Israeli military assets. Iran’s leaders have repeatedly rejected reports of talks with the United States and have shown resistance to negotiation efforts in the absence of significant concessions.
This volatility has severely disrupted global energy markets and contributed to sharp swings in oil prices, as the closure or threat of closure of strategic shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz has caused shocks to global fuel supply chains.
Gasoline supply is “assured”
Amid broader regional unrest, Pakistan’s Finance Ministry has said the country has “largely secured” gasoline shipments for March and April, even as global supply chains remain strained.
Read more: Finance Ministry says Pakistan has ‘largely secured’ gasoline shipments for March and April
A high-level committee monitoring oil prices reviewed the energy supply situation and was told that incoming shipments are proceeding as planned, with additional cargoes planned to strengthen supply reserves.
The government raised gasoline and diesel prices earlier this month in response to disruptions related to the Middle East conflict, but officials say supplies are stable and road distribution networks are operating normally.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stressed the importance of proactive planning and diversified procurement strategies to maintain market stability. Authorities have been instructed to continue to closely monitor international developments and domestic stock levels to guard against supply disruptions.
