Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the escalating armed conflict between Iran and Israel, calling it “alarming” and warning that it threatens not only regional but global stability.
Addressing a federal cabinet meeting broadcast live, the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong solidarity with Iran amid what he described as Israeli aggression. He urged the international community to intervene urgently to enforce a ceasefire and restore peace.
“Pakistan strongly condemns Israeli aggression that has caused the loss of hundreds of Iranian lives and left many more injured,” PM Shehbaz stated. “The world must act immediately to stop this violence and prevent further instability.”
He informed the cabinet that he had personally spoken with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to express Pakistan’s support and had also discussed the situation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
On the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the prime minister said over 50,000 innocent Palestinians have been martyred in what he called a “heart-wrenching” tragedy. “This brutality continues—when will the world’s conscience awaken?” he asked.
He announced that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar would represent Pakistan at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Ministers’ Conference in Türkiye on June 21–22.
Economic and Fiscal Measures
Turning to economic matters, PM Shehbaz praised the finance minister, FBR chairman, and coalition allies for their contributions to preparing the federal budget. He highlighted Pakistan’s success in convincing the IMF to exclude essential agricultural inputs—such as fertilizers and pesticides—from new taxation.
Under the proposed budget, individuals earning between Rs600,000 and Rs1.2 million annually will now pay only 1% income tax, reduced from 5% last year. The prime minister thanked the IMF for showing flexibility on this issue.
Defense and Development Priorities
Highlighting national security, the prime minister commended the armed forces’ professionalism and the unity of the Pakistani people, crediting both for recent military achievements against India. He announced an increase in defense funding to enhance counter-terrorism and national security capabilities.
He also revealed that the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) has been expanded to Rs1,000 billion for the current fiscal year, expressing confidence in the government’s ability to meet its development goals.
Comparing his administration’s performance with previous governments, PM Shehbaz said, “We did not break our promises or lead the country toward default. We have navigated Pakistan out of crisis and onto a path of progress.”
He further acknowledged the diplomatic efforts of a Pakistani delegation, led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman, for highlighting India’s illegal actions in international forums during recent visits to the U.S. and Europe.
Source: Web Desk
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