KARACHI: Business community has welcomed the two-week ceasefire in the war between USA, Israel and Iran with great satisfaction, crediting Pakistan diplomacy and leadership for averting global catastrophe.

Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Chairman Businessmen Panel-Progressive (BMPP) and Senior Vice President Federation Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), has lauded Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar for their pivotal role in brokering the ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

Magoon said the historic ceasefire had saved countless lives and restored hope for peace in the region. He noted that Pakistan’s leadership had not only achieved a diplomatic breakthrough but also elevated the country’s stature on the global stage.

Highlighting the economic dimension, Magoon stressed that the lifting of sanctions on Iran could open significant opportunities for Pakistan. “Cheaper industrial raw materials from Iran will strengthen our manufacturing sector, while gas supplies through pipeline projects and affordable petroleum imports will ease the burden on both industry and the public,” he remarked.

He urged the government to act swiftly and devise a comprehensive plan to capitalise on these opportunities. “FPCCI and the wider business community must be taken on board to ensure that decisions serve the national interest and pave the way for sustainable economic growth,” he added.

Magoon emphasized that with prudent strategy, Pakistan could embark on a new trajectory of economic development, leveraging regional peace for prosperity at home.

However, Mian Zahid Hussain, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum & All Karachi Industrial Alliance and Chairman National Business Group Pakistan, Chairman Policy Advisory Board FPCCI termed the announcement of a two-week ceasefire as a landmark victory for global stability and a testament to the effective mediation of Pakistan’s leadership.

He emphasised that the “Islamabad talks,” scheduled to begin this Friday offer a historic opportunity to transition from a two-week pause to a permanent and sustainable peace agreement.

He also noted that similar to its role as a bridge between the US and China in 1971, Pakistan has once again emerged as a peacekeeper between the US and Iran, contributing to global peace and prosperity, which has immortalized the names of Prime Minister Mian Shabaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar in the annals of world history.

Hussain noted that the impact of the ceasefire on global markets was immediate and dramatic. Following the agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz—through which 20% of the world’s oil and LNG flows—international oil prices have plunged.

He highlighted that for Pakistan, this ceasefire is a lifeline for an economy that was reeling under the pressure of the conflict. He pointed out that the war had pushed inflation toward dangerous levels.

Meanwhile, President of SITE Association of Industry Karachi, Abdul Rehman Fudda, warmly commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar for Pakistan’s remarkable diplomatic role in securing the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, describing it as a defining moment in the country’s history.

SAI Chief said that Pakistan’s leadership demonstrated extraordinary wisdom, foresight and diplomatic acumen at an exceptionally sensitive and volatile moment in global affairs — a performance that the entire nation has every reason to be proud of. “As a direct result of this historic achievement, millions of precious human lives have been spared from the horrors of war, and the ground has been prepared for lasting peace across the region,” he said.

The SITE Association chief further stated that Pakistan had once again proven to the world that it is not merely a responsible nuclear state, but also a country fully capable of playing a constructive and meaningful role in the pursuit of global peace.

Fudda remarked that the diplomatic victory secured by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar would be remembered as a luminous chapter in Pakistan’s national history — one that future generations would look back upon with pride. “This achievement has simultaneously elevated Pakistan’s dignity and credibility within the international community. The entire nation stands tall today,” he added.

Separately, Patron-in-Chief of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), S M Tanveer, President Muhammad Ikram Rajput, Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya, along with members of the Executive Committee, in a joint statement, appreciated Pakistan’s successful diplomacy in securing a ceasefire and reducing tensions in the region caused by the US–Iran conflict. They particularly lauded the tireless efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, calling it a commendable contribution toward global peace and Pakistan’s central role in international politics and diplomacy.

They stated that the Government of Pakistan, especially under the wise leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the effective strategy of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has highlighted Pakistan’s positive role at the global level.

They added that Pakistan has always played a key role in promoting peace, stability, and dialogue, and the recent diplomatic developments are a reflection of this commitment.

They further noted that Pakistan’s timely efforts not only reduced regional tensions but also helped avert a potential nuclear war prior to the US–Iran ceasefire, thereby safeguarding millions of lives.

They welcomed the resulting economic improvement, including the extraordinary surge in the Pakistan Stock Exchange and the immediate decline in energy prices, terming these developments as a positive sign for the national economy, with clear impacts visible in the stock market.

They emphasised that reduced tensions in the region will not only promote global peace but will also have positive effects on economies, trade, and industrial activities worldwide, including in Pakistan. They expressed hope that the ceasefire would pave the way for lasting peace and sustainable stability in the Middle East.

KATI officials further stated that the recognition of Pakistan’s positive role by international leadership, heads of various countries, and the United Nations particularly the appreciation from the US and Iranian presidents for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, especially those of the Prime Minister and the Field Marshal demonstrates that the world holds Pakistan in high regard, while hostile elements have failed in their designs.

They added that the ceasefire has led to economic stability and a bullish trend in the stock market, reflecting renewed investor confidence. It is hoped that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz will soon restore global oil supply, stabilise soaring energy prices and bring relief worldwide.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Yarn Merchants Association (PYMA) Chairman Muhammad Saqib Goodluck has praised the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for their instrumental role in facilitating the truce between the United States and Iran, describing it as a landmark accomplishment that preserved numerous lives and strengthened Pakistan’s position on the world stage. He said that the successful diplomatic effort had paved the way for peace in the region and underscored Pakistan’s stature as a responsible nation on the international stage. “This ceasefire is a landmark moment. Pakistan’s leadership has not only safeguarded human lives but also enhanced the country’s prestige worldwide,” he remarked.

Turning to domestic concerns, the PYMA chief urged the Prime Minister to also focus on alleviating the challenges faced by the business community. He pointed out that excessive taxation and rising costs had made it increasingly difficult for industries to operate.

Muhammad Saqib Goodluck referred to PYMA’s budget proposals, noting that they contained practical solutions to pressing economic issues. He stressed that incorporating these recommendations into the upcoming federal budget would yield positive results for the national economy.

He further called on the government to include PYMA leadership and the wider business community in economic decision-making processes. “Consultation with stakeholders will ensure that policies reflect ground realities and help steer Pakistan towards sustainable economic growth,” he added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026