Pakistan Forms New Council to Tackle Economic and Security Challenges Amid West Asia Conflict

In response to the ongoing West Asia conflict, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has established the National Coordination and Management Council (NCMC) to address the economic and security challenges facing Pakistan. This newly formed body will oversee internal security management, trade policies, and the handling of potential refugee situations. As the threat of war looms, the council aims to ensure stability and manage resources effectively, including the export of surplus furnace oil. With various committees being dissolved, the NCMC will centralize decision-making to better navigate the complexities arising from the conflict.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 9, 2026, 12:28 IST

New Council Established to Address Economic and Security Issues

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has initiated a specialized council aimed at addressing the economic and security repercussions stemming from the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

The National Coordination and Management Council (NCMC) was established shortly before a two-week ceasefire was brokered between the United States and Iran.

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran, a proposal put forth by Pakistan.

The NCMC is co-chaired by Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema and Lt General Zafar Iqbal, as per an official announcement.

This council includes representatives from various federal departments, provincial governments, and special areas.

Its responsibilities encompass managing internal security, including potential internal displacement and refugee situations, should any crises arise. Additionally, it is tasked with controlling misinformation and managing narratives.

The council will oversee the implementation of financial, economic, and trade policies.

According to reports, during its first executive meeting, the NCMC decided to remain active as the threat of war persists, and it may take weeks for the economy to stabilize, even if the ceasefire evolves into a lasting peace agreement.

The council has permitted the export of excess furnace oil after considering local energy production needs, as some refineries expressed concerns over limited storage capacity.

Government sources indicated that civil-military authorities have been working swiftly to secure energy supplies in anticipation of potential US attacks on energy infrastructure and possible Iranian retaliation.

Pakistan is exploring fuel import options from Russia, Nigeria, and other nations. However, transportation time for tankers could extend to 30 to 35 days due to possible supply route closures, officials noted.

In the past month of conflict, five different committees were formed to address various issues, but this fragmented decision-making.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb led a committee focused on monitoring fuel supplies, ensuring there were no shortages nationwide.

Conversely, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar chaired a committee tasked with developing a plan for targeted subsidies.

The Ministry of Information Technology was also involved in subsidy disbursement, while a Maritime Affairs committee handled logistics.

Another committee was dedicated to resolving export challenges arising from the war.

Officials stated that these committees are being dissolved, and future decisions will now be made through the National Coordination and Management Council.