Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday described the escalating armed conflict between Iran and Israel as deeply “alarming,” warning that it poses a threat not only to regional but also global peace.

During a televised meeting of the federal cabinet, the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s full solidarity with Iran and its people in the face of Israeli aggression. He urged the international community to take immediate steps toward enforcing a ceasefire and restoring stability.

“Pakistan strongly condemns Israeli aggression that has led to the loss of hundreds of Iranian lives and left many more injured,” PM Shehbaz said. “The world must act swiftly to halt this violence and ensure peace prevails.”

He also informed the cabinet that he had spoken with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to convey Pakistan’s solidarity and condemnation of the attacks. In addition, he discussed the unfolding situation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Turning to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the prime minister called the situation “heart-wrenching,” noting that over 50,000 innocent Palestinians have been martyred. “This brutality continues—when will the world’s conscience awaken?” he asked.

PM Shehbaz also announced that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar would represent Pakistan at the OIC Foreign Ministers’ Conference in Türkiye on June 21–22. Economic and Budgetary Highlights

On the national budget, the prime minister praised the finance minister, FBR chairman, and allied parties for their collaborative efforts in preparing the fiscal plan. He highlighted that Pakistan had successfully persuaded the IMF not to impose taxes on the already struggling agricultural sector, particularly on fertilizers and pesticides.

He noted that under the new budget, individuals earning between Rs600,000 and Rs1.2 million will only pay 1% income tax, down from 5% last year. He also expressed gratitude to the IMF for showing flexibility on this matter. Defense and Development

Addressing national defense, PM Shehbaz credited Pakistan’s recent military success against India to the professionalism of the armed forces and the unity of 240 million citizens. To bolster security and counter-terrorism efforts, he said, the government had increased funding for military equipment and operations.

He announced an increase in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) budget to Rs1,000 billion for the current fiscal year, expressing confidence in achieving development targets.

Contrasting his administration with previous governments, the prime minister said, “We did not break promises or push the country to default. We have steered Pakistan away from a financial crisis and set it on the path of progress.”

He also commended the efforts of a Pakistani delegation, led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Climate Minister Sherry Rehman, for effectively highlighting India’s illegal actions on the international stage during their recent visits to the US and Europe.