The PM Shehbaz Terms Iran-Israeli conflicts threatens for regional world peace

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the climbing of armed conflicts between Iran and Israel as “very alarming”, warning that the situation is a serious threat to regional and global peace.

Speaking at a meeting of the cabinet on Wednesday, the Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s “complete solidarity” with Iran in the face of Israeli assault and urged the international community to ensure an immediate cease-fire.

“The global community should ensure a cease-fire,” said Prime Minister Shehbaz, adding: “We are firmly holding with the Fraternal People of Iran.”

He said he spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to express his condolences and the support of Pakistan. He also discussed the regional crisis with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

On the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the Prime Minister said that the suffering of the Palestinians was “heartbreaking”, noting that more than 50,000 had been killed. “Brutality is triggered-but when will the conscience of the world wake up?” He asked.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is expected to attend the meeting of foreign ministers in Turkiye on June 21-22 to discuss the crises in progress.

Regarding national issues, Prime Minister Shehbaz welcomed the budget for the 2025 financial year, stressing that the government has convinced the IMF not to impose taxes in the agricultural sector. He said the tax rate for income between 600,000 rupees and 1.2 million rupees had been reduced to 1% compared to 5% last year.

He said RS1 Billion was allocated to the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) to stimulate growth and development.

He also praised the professionalism of the armed forces and public unit during the recent military confrontation with India, qualifying the result of “great victory”. He noted that the budgetary space for defense had been increased to meet the needs of the security forces fighting terrorism.

In closing, Prime Minister Shehbaz congratulated the diplomatic mission led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Sherry Rehman for effectively presenting Pakistan’s position on the recent “unilateral and unilateral illegal actions” of India during visits to the United States and Europe.