Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said Pakistan was working tirelessly to ease tensions in the Middle East, engaging in talks and diplomatic efforts at different levels as the war rages between the United States, Israel and Iran.
“The flames of war in the region are not yet extinguished; however, as a friend to all parties, Pakistan is working tirelessly to ease tensions, engaging in talks and diplomatic efforts at different levels,” Prime Minister Shehbaz said while addressing a meeting held to discuss the regional situation.
The meeting was attended by Chief of Defense Force and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, chief ministers of all provinces and members of the federal cabinet.
Expressing deep sadness over the ongoing conflict, Prime Minister Shehbaz said the conflict had entered its second month, causing significant losses.
“We mourn the loss of life due to this ongoing conflict and, on numerous occasions, we have offered our condolences for these deaths,” he said.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the tireless efforts of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who recently returned from China after discussions to defuse the situation. He congratulated FM Dar for his active diplomatic efforts and also congratulated CDF Munir for playing a key role in this effort.
“Thanks to their considerable efforts, two of our ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz were able to cross it. Recently, 20 other ships managed to cross it,” he added.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also spoke about the significant impact of the conflict on Pakistan’s economy, saying that like other countries, Pakistan was also facing serious challenges, but the government remained committed to resolving these issues.
He explained that despite Pakistan’s economic difficulties, the government had taken steps to alleviate the situation by providing substantial financial support.
“Through collective efforts, we have provided a comprehensive coverage of Rs139 billion to support our economy, ensuring that the most essential sectors remain functional,” he said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz further stressed 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 protect agriculture and public transport,” he said, stressing that additional funding is essential for this purpose.
In his closing speech, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the chief ministers of all provinces who supported the efforts during the current crisis, particularly highlighting the contributions of Bilawal.
He added that Bilawal had shown clear leadership during these difficult times, supporting the government in tackling the crisis.
