Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan is consistently pursuing diplomatic efforts for peace between the US and Iran.

He was chairing the federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad. The Prime Minister took the cabinet into confidence on Pakistan's diplomatic efforts that led to Islamabad talks between the US and Iran. He especially mentioned the efforts of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar in this regard. He also alluded to the recent visit of Iranian Foreign Minister to Pakistan.

The Prime Minister mentioned that Pakistan was heading towards growth trajectory after achieving macro level stability. He, however, said the US-Iran war impacted our collective efforts of two years. He expressed the resolve to work collectively to come out of all the challenges. He emphasized that only those nations succeed who emerge from challenging situation with unity, hardwork and firm resolve.

Shehbaz Sharif said our austerity and conservation measures are continuing. He noted that our fuel consumption has dropped significantly as compared to previous weeks. He expressed satisfaction over the availability and supply of petroleum products in the country.

Referring to the subsidies provided by the provincial governments in the current situation, the Prime Minister said they will be requested to continue with them. He said the commitment made by the federal and provincial governments with the public will be continued.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan has repaid the bilateral loan of 3.50 billion dollars, expressing satisfaction that the foreign exchange reserves are at the same level despite this payment. He expressed his gratitude to the Saudi leadership for extending support to Pakistan.