Butt credits leadership for boosting Pakistan’s global standing
TARIQ KHATTAK
ISLAMABAD (March 24, 2026)
President Pakistan Business Network (PBN) Omar Butt on Tuesday praised the country’s civil and military leadership for their diplomatic handling of the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, saying the approach has strengthened Pakistan’s global standing and helped contain economic risks.
In a statement issued on the occasion of Pakistan Day, he also congratulated the nation and leadership on March 23, reaffirming support for unity and stability during a challenging regional environment.
He commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for what he described as “principled and courageous” navigation of a highly complex regional crisis. He said Pakistan’s emphasis on dialogue and neutrality has allowed it to emerge as a credible intermediary at a time of heightened tensions.
Omar Butt said Pakistan has moved to position itself at the forefront of mediation efforts, with indications that Islamabad may soon host direct talks between senior US and Iranian officials. The initiative has involved high-level outreach, including contacts between the military leadership and Washington, alongside parallel engagement with Tehran.
The business leader said the stakes for Pakistan’s economy remain high. The country shares a 900-kilometre border with Iran and relies heavily on Gulf shipping lanes for energy imports, with around 90 percent of its oil sourced through the region. Any further disruption to these routes could raise fuel prices, widen the import bill, and add to inflationary pressure at a time when Pakistan remains under an International Monetary Fund stabilisation programme.
He added that millions of Pakistani workers in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states also face potential risks if the conflict escalates, underlining the direct link between regional stability and household incomes.
According to Butt, Pakistan’s decision to prioritise diplomacy has helped maintain a degree of economic continuity, allowing trade and investment flows to persist despite external uncertainty. He said the country’s evolving role as a mediator could enhance its international credibility and improve engagement with global partners.
Pakistan’s external position remains sensitive to oil price volatility and exchange rate pressures, with policymakers closely tracking situation. Contingency planning is underway to manage potential spikes in energy costs and protect foreign exchange reserves. Sustained de-escalation could ease inflation and support market confidence, particularly in energy-intensive sectors. However, he cautioned that any prolonged conflict may offset recent macroeconomic stabilisation efforts and delay recovery.
