Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistani vessels successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz due to the efforts of CDF Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Addressing a high-level meeting on the evolving regional situation, the prime minister noted that the ongoing conflict in the region has entered its second month, creating serious challenges. He said Pakistan has made consistent efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent further escalation of war.
PM Shehbaz said that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Asim Munir have played a key role in managing the situation, particularly in ensuring the safe passage of vessels.
He revealed that two oil tankers successfully arrived through the Strait of Hormuz due to their efforts, while arrangements were also made to facilitate the passage of 20 Pakistani-flagged ships through the crucial maritime route.
The prime minister added that Pakistan, like other countries, is being affected by the ongoing conflict and is facing significant economic and logistical challenges. He said that despite these difficulties, the government remains committed to improving the national economy through collective efforts.
PM also appreciated parliamentarians for ensuring fuel conservation and thanked Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for supporting austerity measures.
He further disclosed that the federal government has cut Rs100 billion from the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) over the past three weeks as part of efforts to manage resources amid the crisis.
The prime minister said chief ministers across the country have assured full cooperation in tackling the challenges arising from the ongoing conflict.
It is important to mention here that Pakistan as a country is playing an important role as a mediator between Iran and the US to end the war in the Middle East.
US-Iran war
On February 28, the US and Israel attacked multiple locations in Iran. The Supreme Leader of Iran, Syed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the attacks by the US and Israel.
However, in the retaliatory strike, Iran attacked several military installations of the US in Gulf countries, including Saudia, Kuwait, UAE and Oman.
Similarly, Iran targeted several cities in Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Iran, the US and Israel have been fighting for the last 32 days, and the conflict is ongoing.
Pakistan as the mediator
Pakistan, as a country, is playing a key role in mediation between the US and Iran. Earlier, the US sent a 15-point proposal to Iran through Pakistan to end the war.
On the other hand, the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar, also confirmed that Pakistan is mediating between the US and Iran.
Ishaq Dar wrote in his post on X, “Pakistan will host U.S.–Iran talks soon, after consultations with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt. Both Washington and Tehran have expressed confidence in Pakistan as mediator, as regional tensions drive urgency for dialogue.”
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