President Zardari to chair high-level meeting on energy, smart lockdown, and subsidies

A high-level meeting chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari is set to take place at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, with the participation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, federal ministers, provincial chief ministers, and military leadership, according to government sources.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is expected to brief participants on the upcoming four-nation foreign ministers’ meeting. Officials said the agenda will include a review of the country’s petroleum reserves and distribution networks, and the implementation of austerity measures.

Sources indicated that participants will also receive a briefing on a potential “smart lockdown” strategy, with provincial suggestions for such measures under discussion. The meeting will further consider decisions on subsidies for motorbike and rickshaw drivers to support low-income commuters. Authorities aim to coordinate policy and operational plans across federal and provincial levels during the session.