By Mehrab Shah Afridi
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that Pakistan is working tirelessly to reduce tensions in the Middle East, engaging in talks and diplomatic efforts as conflict continues between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Addressing a high-level meeting on the regional situation, PM Shehbaz said: “The flames of war in the region have not yet been extinguished; however, as a friend to all parties, Pakistan has been actively working to ease tensions through dialogue at multiple levels.”
Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator after US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran prompted retaliatory attacks by Tehran on Israel and US military bases in the Gulf. To facilitate peace, Pakistan recently hosted a quadrilateral foreign ministers’ meeting in Islamabad with representatives from Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, earning international appreciation for its diplomatic role.
The meeting was attended by Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Asim Munir, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, provincial chief ministers, and federal cabinet members.
Expressing sorrow over the ongoing conflict, PM Shehbaz noted that it had entered its second month with significant casualties. He praised Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for his diplomatic efforts, particularly after returning from China to engage in de-escalation talks, and commended CDF Munir for his key role in facilitating safe passage of Pakistani ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
He acknowledged the conflict’s economic impact on Pakistan but reaffirmed the government’s commitment to support the economy, stating that Rs129 billion had been allocated to ensure essential sectors continue functioning. He stressed the importance of protecting vulnerable populations, safeguarding agriculture, and maintaining public transport, while urging the elite to show self-sacrifice.
PM Shehbaz also thanked provincial chief ministers for their support during the crisis, particularly highlighting Bilawal’s leadership in navigating these challenges.
A day earlier, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s Director General Political Ed Llewellyn commended Pakistan’s efforts to de-escalate tensions and stressed the importance of dialogue, humanitarian access, and protection of civilian infrastructure. Both sides emphasized immediate cessation of hostilities, safeguarding sovereignty, and ensuring the security of commercial shipping lanes, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.
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