PM says US-Iran temporary truce holds but conflict has hurt Pakistan’s economy

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran remained in place, but added that the conflict had created serious economic challenges for countries in the region, including Pakistan.

He made the remarks while chairing a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, where he also spoke about the government’s economic efforts, Pakistan’s nuclear programme, and recent sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.

According to the developments cited during the discussion, Iran has largely closed the Strait of Hormuz to foreign shipping except its own vessels since the United States and Israel began a bombing campaign two-and-a-half months ago. The disruption has caused what was described as the biggest-ever disturbance to global energy supplies. The United States halted the bombing last month, but also imposed a blockade on Iranian ports.

In his opening comments, the prime minister said the government’s economic team had worked collectively over the past two years and that those efforts were beginning to show results. He said the work had helped maintain stability and avoid the need for rationing despite the regional turmoil.

Shehbaz said Pakistan now needed to pursue economic strength with the same resolve that enabled it to become a responsible nuclear state.

This is a long and difficult journey. However, nations that commit to facing and overcoming their challenges are the ones that ultimately meet with success.

the prime minister said.

References to national milestones

Speaking about the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq on May 10, the prime minister said the nation had been blessed a year earlier through the professional capability of the armed forces and national unity.

The forces, with utmost valour, taught the enemy a lesson they would never forget.

he said.

Looking ahead to Youm-e-Takbeer on May 28, Shehbaz said the day marked the moment Pakistan secured an impregnable defence in 1998. He said the country’s nuclear capability was meant for deterrence and defence rather than aggression, and added that this had earned Pakistan recognition around the world as a responsible nuclear power.

The prime minister paid tribute to those he described as the heroes of Pakistan’s nuclear journey. He specifically credited former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto with launching the programme and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif with bringing it to completion. He also praised the contributions of scientists, politicians and state institutions in achieving that milestone.

Tribute to terror victims

Shehbaz also referred to Liaquat, a resident of Attock, who was martyred after confronting a suicide bomber. He said the government had posthumously awarded him the Sitara-e-Shujaat in recognition of his sacrifice.

The prime minister said Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war against terrorism were without parallel. Later, members of the federal cabinet offered fateha for those martyred in various terrorism-related incidents across the country.