President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday held a meeting at the President's Office to discuss national security, the internal and regional situation and a range of key national issues.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah.
The participants reviewed the country's economic situation, the budget for the next fiscal year, the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, developments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, law and order, and other matters of national importance.
During the discussion on budget proposals and public relief measures, President Zardari emphasized the need to prioritise public welfare, provincial rights and economic stability in the upcoming federal budget.
The president directed that every effort should be made to ensure harmony between economic growth targets and public welfare schemes in the next budget.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi briefed the president about his recent visit to Iran and discussed regional diplomatic relations.
The meeting was also attended by Senator Sherry Rehman, Member of the National Assembly Syed Naveed Qamar, Senator Saleem Mandviwala and Senator Rahat Cheema.
Pakistan People's Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Raja Faisal Rathore and Member of the National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf also participated in the meeting.