President Zardari has held a consultative meeting with PM Shehbaz Sharif, federal and provincial leadership, to review the economic, energy and regional situation on Monday.
The meeting is reportedly focused on coordination, fuel conservation, public relief and mitigating the impact on the common man.
The meeting was attended by the four provincial chief ministers, federal ministers, the finance minister, and other relevant officials.
The meeting directed that all measures be taken to reduce the burden of inflation. And make sure of the timely availability of essential goods for the public.
Emphasis was also placed on adopting a coordinated national strategy to stabilise the economy. And to reduce the growing financial pressure on citizens.
A detailed briefing was given on the availability and conservation of electricity and fuel.
President Zardari holds consultative meeting with PM @CMShehbaz, federal and provincial leadership to review economic, energy and regional situation, focusing on coordination, fuel conservation, public relief and mitigating impact on the common man. pic.twitter.com/BdW0vQ6ry4
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) March 30, 2026
Govt makes key decision regarding smart lockdown
Sources say the meeting discussed the proposal to implement a smart lockdown across the country.
However, the provinces opposed the idea. Provincial governments also recommended that the federal government should not impose a lockdown.
The leadership expressed a commitment to further strengthen austerity measures. It was decided to ensure full implementation of the steps for energy and fuel conservation.
Sources added that provinces were urged to contribute to the Rs254 billion relief package as well.
CM KP on smart lockdown
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said that no decision has been made to impose a smart lockdown.
He added that provinces have differing views on the smart lockdown proposal.
He emphasised that Pakistan should play a role in promoting peace. He noted that the Muslim world often looks toward Pakistan during crises. Afridi stated that Pakistan will not take sides in any war.
He said the meeting was called to discuss national and international crises. “We attended the meeting in the interest of Pakistan,” he added.
Afridi stressed, “We will never be part of any decision that becomes a burden on the people.”
He also noted that more than Rs1,375 billion from the NFC Award is not being given. He criticised that the rights of the people of FATA are being taken away by other provinces.
Govt to cut official vehicles
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif rejected proposals to increase oil prices, prioritising public interest.
The government decided to immediately suspend 60 per cent of official vehicles to ensure fuel savings. And reduce government expenses, as part of effective economic and energy management.
The regional situation and national security were also thoroughly reviewed.
Participants stressed that full coordination between the federal and provincial governments is necessary to ensure public relief, economic stability, and national security.
PM Shehbaz rejects summary to increase petrol prices
Previously, PM Shehbaz rejected the summary to increase petrol prices by Rs95 per litre and diesel by Rs203.
He said that petrol should have been Rs544 per litre, but the government is giving it to the people for Rs322.
Additionally, he added, the price of diesel should have been Rs790 per litre; the government is providing it to people for Rs335.
The Prime Minister said that the government will bear the burden of 56 billion rupees itself.
“For me, there is nothing but the economic security of the people,” he said.
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