By Amir Muhammad Khan
In 2026, Pakistan’s peace mission is being appreciated across the world, with many calling Pakistan a messenger of peace. At the same time, overseas Pakistanis are playing a vital role in strengthening the country’s economy by sending increasing amounts of foreign remittances every month. In particular, Pakistanis living in Saudi Arabia, who have always stood by Pakistan at every step, are contributing significantly. According to central bank data released on Friday, remittances from overseas Pakistanis reached $3.42 billion in October 2025, reflecting an 11.9 percent month-on-month increase, led primarily by inflows from Saudi Arabia. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked overseas Pakistanis for their contributions to the national economy.
Remittances are a crucial pillar of Pakistan’s external finances. They provide hard currency, support domestic consumption, help reduce the current account deficit, and strengthen foreign exchange reserves. A steady inflow from Gulf economies, especially Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, has been vital for maintaining Pakistan’s balance of payments. The continued increase in remittances reflects overseas Pakistanis’ confidence in government policies. The Prime Minister’s Office stated: “Our compatriots abroad continue to serve the nation through their hard-earned income,” describing them as the country’s most valuable asset.
According to the State Bank of Pakistan, remittance inflows included $820.9 million from Saudi Arabia, $697.7 million from the UAE, $487.7 million from the UK, and $290.0 million from the United States. Now, turning to Pakistan’s major diplomatic initiative: the peace talks held in Islamabad. Conflicts spanning 47 years cannot be resolved in just 21 hours of dialogue. While some circles are portraying the Islamabad talks as a failure, such narratives stem from fear of Pakistan’s successful foreign policy, particularly from neighboring countries where even their own public is criticizing their leadership.
Unfortunately, some voices within Pakistan, driven by political bias against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who worked tirelessly to bring opposing leaders to the negotiation table, are also spreading negativity. Some even question whether Pakistan holds any influence in the world. However, even if peace talks in Islamabad do not immediately succeed, it does not mean the end of peace efforts. Diplomacy is always a gradual process that unfolds in stages.
Those familiar with international relations understand that bringing the United States and Iran to the same table, halting conflict and initiating dialogue, is no ordinary achievement. This alone is a major diplomatic success for Pakistan and will be remembered as a significant moment in modern history. Both the United States and Iran have appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role, and the Islamabad talks have been recognized globally as an important development. The significance of these negotiations can also be gauged from the reaction of India, where media and leadership appear visibly disturbed since the announcement of the talks.
While some claim the talks have failed, the reality is that there is no alternative to peace. As I have written before, in today’s world, economic stability is the ultimate measure of success. Wars may destroy cities and take lives, but ultimately, outcomes are judged on economic grounds: trade, resources and influence. In the current conflict, Iran holds a strategic advantage due to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route that the entire world is watching. Control over this region is at the heart of the conflict.
Two figures have appeared almost contradictory in this situation: India’s leadership with its media narrative, and former US president Donald Trump with his inconsistent and threatening statements. Iran, on the other hand, has continued to express hope for a peaceful resolution, even after leaving Pakistan. President Trump’s repeated claims that Iran has reached out for negotiations contrast with the reality that Iran participated in the Islamabad talks largely due to Pakistan’s persistent diplomatic efforts, despite its past bitter experiences, particularly when Israel launched attacks during earlier negotiation phases.
Israel seems to be pursuing long-standing strategic ambitions, but the consequences are not limited to the region; they are affecting the United States’ reputation and global stability. Serious global leadership still seeks renewed negotiations, and such talks will eventually resume, because there is no other path to peace. Otherwise, the world risks moving towards a major and dangerous crisis.
China, being a major buyer of Iranian oil, cannot remain neutral if its oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are disrupted. Despite repeated claims by Trump that threats in the region have been neutralized, trust remains low. Who will risk sending ships into such volatile waters? Which insurance company will cover such shipments? And if insured, how expensive will that oil become? Now, it appears that Trump is promoting American oil aggressively, like a struggling salesman, urging the world to buy from the US, even citing Venezuelan oil and claiming abundance compared to Saudi Arabia and other producers. While countries such as India may consider these options, the broader global market remains uncertain.
One thing is clear: if agreements are not reached soon, oil prices will skyrocket. At this point, Pakistan, while leading peace efforts, must also look inward. Promoting solar energy can reduce dependence on imported fuel. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s measures to curb unnecessary fuel consumption, especially among luxury vehicle users, are commendable, and should continue.
(The writer is a veteran journalist having 45 years of experience across print and broadcast media in Pakistan and the United States, can reached at editorial@metro-morning.com)
