ISLAMABAD, Monday, June 8, 2026 (WNP): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Monday, during which they discussed national security, the internal and regional situation, the economy, the upcoming federal budget, the recent Gilgit-Baltistan elections, the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and other matters of national importance.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, and the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah attended the meeting.

The meeting was also attended by Senator Sherry Rehman, Member of the National Assembly Syed Naveed Qamar, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, and Senator Ahad Cheema. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Raja Faisal Rathore, and Member of the National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf also participated.

The participants reviewed various proposals related to the federal budget for the next fiscal year and discussed measures aimed at providing relief to the public.

While discussing budget proposals and public welfare initiatives, President Zardari stressed the importance of prioritizing public welfare, provincial rights and economic stability in the upcoming federal budget.

The President directed that every effort should be made to align economic growth targets with public welfare programmes so that the benefits of development reach the common people.

The meeting also reviewed the country’s overall law and order situation, national security matters and recent regional developments. The participants emphasized the need for a coordinated strategy to safeguard national interests and promote regional stability.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi briefed the President on his recent visit to Iran and informed him about his meetings with the Iranian leadership and ongoing regional diplomatic engagements. He also apprised the meeting of developments in the region and Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in this regard.

The meeting reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting economic stability, strengthening national security and advancing policies aimed at public welfare and national development.