ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that Pakistan is actively seeking to ease tensions in the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Speaking at a high-level meeting convened to discuss the regional situation, Sharif described Pakistan as a “friend to all parties,” noting that the country had been engaged in talks and diplomatic initiatives at multiple levels.
“The flames of war in the region have not yet been extinguished; however, Pakistan has been working tirelessly to ease tensions,” the prime minister said.
He noted that two Pakistani-flagged ships, previously stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, had successfully passed through the strategically vital waterway thanks to coordinated efforts by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
Sharif said that arrangements have been made for a total of 20 Pakistani-flagged vessels to transit through the strait in the coming days.
“The war in the Middle East has had adverse effects on Pakistan’s economy,” Sharif said, emphasising the country’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to promote peace in the region.
“Dar is tirelessly working to reduce regional tensions, and so is the Field Marshal. Pakistan has made every effort for a ceasefire, and these efforts continue.”
Sharif outlined the economic impact of the conflict, noting that his government had worked over the past two years to maintain macroeconomic stability but now faces mounting challenges.
“Pakistan has consistently striven to stop this war and ensure a ceasefire. The rest is in the hands of Allah,” he added.
The prime minister also addressed domestic economic measures, highlighting the government’s austerity initiatives.
He thanked President Asif Ali Zardari for supporting these measures and acknowledged the full backing of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.
Within three weeks, he added, the federal government had cut Rs100 billion from the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) to address wartime challenges.
Provincial chief ministers assured the federal government of their cooperation, Sharif said, stressing the need to safeguard the poor and ensure that the country’s elite share in the sacrifices.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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