Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said that Pakistan was working tirelessly to ease tensions in the Middle East, engaging in talks and diplomatic efforts at various levels as war rages on between the United States, Israel and Iran.
“The flames of war in the region have not yet been extinguished; however, as a friend to all parties, Pakistan has been working tirelessly to ease tensions, engaging in talks and diplomatic efforts at various levels,” said PM Shehbaz during his address at a meeting held to discuss the regional situation.
The meeting was attended by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the chief ministers of all provinces and federal cabinet members.
Expressing deep sorrow over the ongoing conflict, PM Shehbaz stated that the conflict had entered its second month, causing significant casualties.
“We mourn the loss of lives due to this ongoing conflict, and on many occasions, we have issued condolences over the deaths,” he said.
The prime minister acknowledged the tireless efforts of Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who recently returned from China after discussions aimed at de-escalating the situation. He praised FM Dar for his active diplomatic efforts and also commended CDF Munir for playing a key role in this effort.
“Due to their great efforts, two of our ships that were stuck in the Strait of Hormuz were able to pass through. Recently, another 20 ships have successfully crossed,” he added.
PM Shehbaz also addressed the significant impact of the conflict on Pakistan’s economy, stating that, like other countries, Pakistan was also facing severe challenges, but the government remained committed to addressing these issues.
He explained that despite Pakistan’s economic difficulties, the government had taken steps to mitigate the situation by providing substantial financial support.
“Through collective efforts, we’ve provided a blanket cover of Rs139 billion to support our economy, ensuring the most essential sectors remain functional,” he said.
PM Shehbaz further emphasised the importance of protecting vulnerable populations, calling on all sectors, including the elite, to demonstrate self-sacrifice.
“Today, it is our responsibility to ensure the safety of the poor and to protect agriculture and public transport,” he said, stressing that additional funding is essential for this purpose.
In his closing remarks, the prime minister expressed gratitude to the chief ministers of all provinces who supported the efforts during the ongoing crisis, particularly highlighting Bilawal’s contributions.
He added that Bilawal had demonstrated clear leadership during these challenging times, supporting the government in tackling the crisis.
