Islamabad, June 18, 2025: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday warned that the escalating armed conflict between Iran and Israel poses a grave threat to both regional and global peace. Addressing a federal cabinet meeting broadcast live on national television, the premier reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran and called for an immediate ceasefire, urging the international community to play its role in de-escalating the situation.
“The regional situation is extremely alarming. The conflict is no longer confined to borders — it threatens the peace of the entire world,” the Prime Minister said.
He strongly condemned the Israeli strikes on Iranian soil, which have left hundreds dead and many more injured, and described the Israeli military campaign as “aggression of the worst kind.”
PM Sharif informed the cabinet that he had held direct conversations with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing the Pakistani nation’s solidarity with the people of Iran. He also discussed the evolving situation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, highlighting the urgent need for collective diplomatic action.
The Prime Minister further announced that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar would represent Pakistan at the upcoming OIC Foreign Ministers’ Conference in Turkey on June 21–22, where the Iran–Israel conflict and the Gaza crisis would be key items on the agenda.
Shehbaz Sharif also drew attention to the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where more than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed. Describing the scenes from Gaza as “heart-wrenching and painful,” he issued a scathing rebuke of the international community’s inaction.
“Brutality is being unleashed. But when will the world’s conscience finally wake up?” he asked.
Switching focus to domestic matters, the Prime Minister praised Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, his economic team, and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for presenting a budget that balances economic reform with social relief. He said all allied parties and stakeholders were taken on board during the budget process.
Notably, the Prime Minister revealed that Pakistan had convinced the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to avoid taxing the agricultural sector, including inputs like fertilizers and pesticides — a major win for farmers under financial pressure.
“The IMF accepted our request, and we are grateful,” he noted.
He also announced a significant tax relief: those earning between Rs600,000 and Rs1.2 million annually will now pay only 1% tax, compared to 5% last year.
In light of regional tensions, PM Sharif said the government had expanded fiscal space to meet the operational needs of the armed forces, particularly in the context of counterterrorism and national defense.
Referring to a “recent great victory” against India, he lauded the professionalism of Pakistan’s military and the unwavering support of 240 million citizens.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) allocation has been raised to Rs1,000 billion in the current budget, reaffirming the government’s commitment to development and infrastructure.
PM Sharif commended the efforts of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Sherry Rehman, and other cabinet members who recently toured the U.S. and Europe to represent Pakistan’s position on India’s illegal actions in Kashmir and the broader regional crisis.
“Their effective diplomacy helped amplify Pakistan’s voice on key international platforms,” he added.
Concluding his remarks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his government had rescued Pakistan from financial collapse, restoring macroeconomic stability, and positioning the country for sustainable growth and international credibility.
