Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan has made “maximum efforts” to secure a ceasefire in the ongoing regional conflict. He warned that the war’s economic and humanitarian impact is forcing the government to make tough decisions at home.
Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and said Pakistan has actively worked with Iranian officials and other stakeholders to help reduce tensions. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar continues diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, with Pakistan coordinating alongside other affected countries.
The prime minister highlighted that the government and military have ensured the safe arrival of ships to Pakistan, including 20 Pakistani-flagged vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
To address rising economic pressures, Sharif announced austerity measures, including cuts to the development budget and a reduction of Rs100 billion from the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). The saved funds will support low-income groups and protect vulnerable communities from rising costs.
As part of the measures, members of parliament were asked to forgo two months’ salaries, and some federal and provincial development projects were temporarily suspended. Sharif emphasized that everyone, including the elite, must share the burden, while relief for the poor remains the priority.
He also stressed the importance of protecting key sectors like agriculture and thanked President Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for supporting the austerity drive. Sharif expressed optimism that peace will return and that political stability is essential for long-term economic recovery.
