Pakistan pushing ceasefire efforts as regional war strains economy, PM Sharif says

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Thursday that Pakistan has made “full efforts” to help de-escalate tensions in the region, warning that the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran is affecting the country’s economy and stability.

Addressing a high-level meeting on the current regional situation, Sharif said Pakistan has been actively working toward a ceasefire and continues diplomatic engagement to reduce tensions.

He said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has been “tirelessly engaged” in efforts aimed at calming the situation.

“Pakistan has made every possible effort for a ceasefire, and these efforts are ongoing,” Sharif said, adding that the country is also being significantly impacted by the conflict.

The prime minister highlighted economic challenges arising from the crisis, including disruptions to key trade routes. He revealed that two Pakistani ships had been stranded in the Strait of Hormuz but were able to pass through following coordinated efforts by Dar and the military leadership.

Sharif praised lawmakers for ensuring fuel conservation measures and thanked President Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for their cooperation in implementing austerity steps.

He said the federal government has cut PKR 100 billion from the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) over the past three weeks to cope with wartime challenges, adding that provincial chief ministers have assured full support in addressing the situation.

“In this difficult time, the poor must be protected while the elite should demonstrate sacrifice,” he said, urging federal and provincial governments to halt non-essential development projects to conserve resources.

Sharif stressed that political stability is essential for economic stability and noted that federal cabinet members have voluntarily surrendered two months’ salaries.

He said protecting the public, the agriculture sector and goods transport remains a priority, alongside efforts to control inflation. The prime minister called for coordinated action between federal and provincial governments to efficiently utilize resources and confront challenges arising from the ongoing crisis.