PM Shehbaz says civil, military leadership working to strengthen economy

NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan’s civil and military leadership is working together to strengthen the country’s economy and improve diplomatic ties.

Speaking to the media alongside Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly session, Shehbaz said consultations were continuing to improve the economic situation and promote regional peace.

The prime minister said Pakistan was stepping up diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the region under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. He stressed that Pakistan would continue working with other countries to promote peace and stability.

Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. He said Islamabad had consistently condemned attacks and the killing of innocent civilians in Lebanon.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to ease regional tensions. He said Lebanon was affected by the broader regional conflict and expressed hope that Pakistan’s initiatives would contribute to reducing tensions and finding a diplomatic solution.

Discussing the situation around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, Prime Minister Shehbaz said friendly and brotherly countries were working to prevent further escalation.

He also spoke about his recent meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, saying he had briefed the Iranian leader on Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional de-escalation. Shehbaz said peace was urgently needed in the region.

The prime minister described Iran as a brotherly neighbouring country and said Pakistan’s civil and military leadership would continue its joint diplomatic efforts for peace.

According to Shehbaz, President Pezeshkian welcomed Pakistan’s peace efforts and expressed Iran’s readiness to further work under the Islamabad MoU.

On security concerns, the prime minister alleged that militants operating from Afghanistan were involved in attacks inside Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of civilians as well as security personnel.