ISLAMABAD: Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said that Pakistan is being significantly affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and continues to play an active diplomatic role in efforts to secure a ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
Addressing a high-level meeting, the prime minister said the government is working on multiple fronts to ease regional tensions and mitigate the economic fallout of the war. He noted that the prolonged conflict, which began on February 28, has disrupted regional stability and posed serious challenges for Pakistan’s economy.
He highlighted that the situation escalated after initial strikes by the US and Israel, followed by Iran’s retaliatory actions, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz a vital global trade route.
The premier said Pakistan has intensified diplomatic engagement, acting as a bridge between Washington and Tehran. As part of these efforts, Islamabad hosted key regional leaders from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt, while also conveying messages between both sides.
He added that Pakistan, in coordination with China, has urged all parties to immediately halt hostilities and move towards dialogue.
The prime minister also revealed that two Pakistani vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz were able to safely pass through due to coordinated efforts led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir.
Praising the diplomatic outreach, he said the deputy prime minister has been working tirelessly to defuse tensions. “We have made every possible effort to cool down the situation in the region,” he remarked.
On the domestic front, the premier said provincial governments have assured full cooperation to tackle wartime challenges. He noted that the federal government has already reduced the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) by Rs100 billion within a short span to manage economic pressures.
He further emphasized that controlling inflation, protecting the agriculture sector, and ensuring smooth transportation of goods remain top priorities.
Calling for unity, the prime minister stressed the need for close coordination between the federation and provinces to effectively navigate and safeguard national interests.
