PAKISTAN – (Special Correspondent/Web Desk) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a PM Shehbaz economy meeting Iran on Thursday to review how the growing Middle East crisis could hit Pakistan’s economy. He called for full alertness across all key government departments.
The meeting looked closely at the fallout from the fresh clashes between Iran and the United States. PM Shehbaz said Pakistan’s economy was still steady for now. But he stressed the need for a clear plan to act fast if things get worse.
The fighting between Iran and the US has picked up speed this week. It has almost wiped out last month’s ceasefire deal. On Wednesday, US forces struck targets near Iran’s southern coast in two major waves. This was the first such attack since the truce began.
Iran hit back with missiles and drones aimed at US bases nearby. One of the biggest attacks landed on an air base in Jordan. The clashes have also slowed down ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. This is a key route for oil and gas shipments. As a result, energy prices have started climbing worldwide.
وزیراعظم کی زیر صدارت خطے میں کشیدگی کے ملکی معیشت پر اثرات کا جائزہ اجلاس
اجلاس میں سادگی اور کفایت شعاری کے اقدامات پر رپورٹ پیش
خطے کی صورتحال میں غیر یقینی برقرار، ہر ممکنہ چیلنج سے نمٹنے کیلیے مکمل تیاری رکھیں
سادگی و کفایت شعاری مہم میں عوام نے بھرپور کردار ادا کیا جس پر… pic.twitter.com/nWxxf6LyxO
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) July 16, 2026
Pakistan had played a big role in easing tensions earlier. The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding was signed on June 17 with Pakistan’s help. It had brought a short pause to the fighting.
During Thursday’s session, PM Shehbaz told officials to stay fully ready for any challenges linked to the region’s uncertain situation. He also praised the public for backing the government’s fuel-saving and austerity efforts.
Officials briefed the prime minister that Pakistan currently has enough fuel reserves to meet local needs. Steps are already in place to keep this supply steady going forward.
PM Shehbaz thanked his team for handling the fuel situation well. He said their quick action had kept things under control despite the outside pressure.
He also spoke about support for everyday citizens. This includes motorcyclists, rickshaw drivers, and transporters. Government subsidies, he said, have helped soften the blow of any fuel price hikes.
The prime minister asked provincial governments to work together and take strict action against anyone creating an artificial shortage of fuel in the market.
Looking back at the earlier austerity drive, PM Shehbaz thanked the public for their strong support. He asked everyone to keep that same spirit alive going forward.
“Just as people supported the earlier simplicity campaign, the whole nation must now embrace austerity,” he said.
He also thanked citizens for helping save fuel and energy, calling it a real boost to the country’s economic strength.
Several top officials attended the meeting. These included federal ministers Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Awais Khan Leghari. Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani and SBP Governor Jameel Ahmed were also present.
Separately, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Pakistan wants the US and Iran to stop the violence. He urged both sides to return to talks under the Islamabad MoU.
Andrabi said Pakistan is closely watching the situation and still believes talks are the best path forward. He denied that Pakistan had stepped back from its peace efforts, saying mediation work is still ongoing.
He also hoped for a quick return to normal conditions in the Strait of Hormuz, stressing the need to keep sea routes safe and open for all.
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