Shehbaz Sharif calls for maximum restraint as war widens in Gulf Speaks to Malaysian, Indonesia leaders Directs to ensure evacuation of Pakistanis from Iran, Gulf.
ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Thursday expressed deep concern over the recent attack targeting brotherly country Türkiye. He made these remarks in a post on social media platform X.
The PM said that he joined the people of Pakistan in expressing complete solidarity with brave Turkish brothers and sisters, at this challenging time.
He said that such reprehensible actions risk further escalation and undermine regional peace and stability. She hbaz Sharif called for maximum restraint and emphasises the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to uphold respect for sovereignty and maintain peace and stability in the region.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday directed that the Pakistani embassies in Gulf countries must remain readily available at all times to assist Pakistani citizens amid the prevailing situation in the region.
Chairing a meeting regarding the evacuation of Pakistanis from Iran and issues related to Pakistanis residing in Gulf countries, the prime minister expressed gratitude to the brotherly country Azerbaijan for assisting in the evacuation of Pakistanis from Iran.
During the meeting the participants were briefed on the current situation regarding the evacuation of Pakistanis from Iran. “By the grace of Allah, Pakistani citizens are safely returning home from Iran, and the Pakistani Embassy in Azerbaijan is fully active in facilitating the process”, the prime minister was told. The meeting was also informed that, on the prime minister’s instructions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was continuously monitoring the entire situation.
A briefing was also given on the measures taken by Pakistani embassies to facilitate Pakistani citizens residing in Gulf countries.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, federal ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar and Attaullah Tarar, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah, Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, Special Assistant Syed Tariq Fatemi, and other senior officials.
Also PM Shehbaz Sharif and Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia on Thursday spoke on telephone and expressed his serious concern over the ongoing escalation in the Middle East, following Israel’s attacks against Iran and the subsequent attacks against brotherly Gulf countries.
The PM emphasised on the imperative of upholding respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, as enshrined in the UN Charter and international law and urged all parties to exercise restraint, end hostilities and resolve their differences through diplomacy and dialogue.
During the discussion, the two leaders agreed that restoration of peace and a swift return to normalcy was essential, but this could be achieved only through exercise of maximum restraint by all parties involved. In this regard, they agreed to work together and coordinate their positions on a regular basis.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also briefed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on recent developments in the context of Afghanistan. He especially shared the efforts being undertaken to secure Pakistan against terrorist elements, while eradicating terrorism from the region and beyond.
Pm Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday held a telephone conversation with President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto and expressed deep concern over the escalating crisis in the Middle East.
During the conversation, the two leaders agreed to work together to urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint, while pursuing sincere and serious initiatives to resolve all outstanding differences, through constructive dialogue and diplomacy.
The prime minister strongly condemned Israel’s attacks on Iran, as well as the subsequent regrettable attacks on other brotherly Gulf countries. He informed the Indonesian President of Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach efforts with all the Gulf countries in the aftermath of the crisis.
During the telephone call, the prime minister also briefed President Prabowo Subianto on recent developments vis-a-vis Afghanistan. The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact in coming days.
PM directs highest quality standard in motorways’ repair
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities concerned to ensure the highest quality standard during repair of motorways. Chairing a meeting to review the performance of the National Highway Authority in Islamabad today, he lauded the open and transparent auction of NHA toll plazas.
The Prime Minister also directed that all ongoing projects must be completed within their specified timelines.
During the meeting, it was informed that the NHA’s revenue increased by 63 percent, rising from 66.8 billion rupees in 2024 to 109 billion rupees in fiscal year 2025.
This significant growth was made possible through improved toll collection and other measures taken on the Prime Minister’s directives.
The meeting was told that M-Tag usage on motorways jumped from 20 percent to 81 percent in 2025 as compared to 2024. It was informed that compliance with axle load limits reached 90 percent on highways and 95 percent on motorways, which has helped reduce accidents while increasing the lifespan of the infrastructure.
Regarding public facilities, it was shared that service areas on motorways are being upgraded and new ones are being established along national highways.
It was also announced that an air ambulance service will be introduced on motorways this year, while 1122 emergency services remain stationed at all interchanges.
It was informed that the NHA has completed the upgrading of the Lyari Expressway, Thokar Niaz Baig (N-5), and the Islamabad-Murree Expressway using its own budget.
