ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has voiced serious concern over the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, urging the international community to take immediate action to bring about a ceasefire. Speaking at a federal cabinet meeting, he condemned Israel’s aggressive actions against Iran, describing the attacks as unjust and highlighting the resulting loss of hundreds of lives.
Shehbaz Sharif affirmed Pakistan’s full solidarity with Iran during this critical period. He also disclosed that he had spoken with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the first day of the conflict to express Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability.
The prime minister called on world powers to act quickly to halt the hostilities between the two countries. He also drew attention to the tragic situation in Gaza, noting that over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed and thousands injured amid ongoing Israeli aggression. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister is set to represent the country at the forthcoming Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers’ meeting in Turkey.
On domestic matters, Shehbaz Sharif announced that agriculture would remain tax-free in the upcoming budget. He highlighted a proposed 10% salary increase and tax relief for salaried individuals, including a reduction of tax rates to 1% for incomes between Rs. 600,000 and Rs. 1.2 million.
He mentioned the government’s development program valued at Rs1,000 billion and credited tough economic reforms for stabilizing the economy and avoiding default in 2023. The prime minister praised the Pakistani delegation, led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, for effectively promoting Pakistan’s position internationally. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to combat terrorism and assured full support for the armed forces, applauding their recent successes with public backing.
