PM Shehbaz Terms Iran-Israel Conflict Threat for Regional and Global Peace

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

Speaking during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the prime minister reiterated the “complete solidarity” of Pakistan with Iran in front of Israeli aggression and urged the international community to guarantee a high immediate fire.

“The global community should guarantee a high fire,” said Prime Minister Shehbaz, added: “We are firmly with the fraternal people of Iran.”

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

In 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 unleashing, but when will consciousness of the world aroused?” asked.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, will attend the meeting of OIC Foreign Ministers in Turkiye from June 21 to 22 to discuss the ongoing crises.

Regarding domestic affairs, Prime Minister Shehbaz praised fiscal budget 2025, highlighting that the Government convinced the IMF not to impose taxes on the agricultural sector. He said that the tax rate for revenues between RS600,000 and RS1.2 million had been reduced to 1% of 5% last year.

He said that RS1 billion had been assigned for the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) to stimulate growth and development.

In addition, he praised the professionalism of the Armed Forces and public unity during the recent military confrontation with India, qualifying the result as a “great victory.” He pointed out that the budget space for defense had increased to address the needs of security forces that fight against terrorism.

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