Ijaz-ul-Haq praises Pakistan’s role in US-Iran agreement

ISLAMABAD, Jun 19 (APP):Pakistan Muslim League-Zia (PML-Z) leader and Member National Assembly Muhammad Ijaz-ul-Haq on Friday praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating the agreement between the United States and Iran, saying it had improved the country’s international standing and diplomatic credibility.

Taking part in the budget debate in the National Assembly, he said the agreement signed by the presidents of Iran and the United States, and endorsed by Pakistan’s prime minister, reflected Pakistan’s growing importance in global diplomacy.

He added that this recognition was the result of national unity and the combined efforts of the country’s leadership and armed forces.

He appreciated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his team for their diplomatic efforts and paid tribute to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his role in promoting peace and stability in the region.

He said Pakistan had contributed to efforts aimed at de-escalating the Iran-related conflict and preventing further escalation.

He also acknowledged the support of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in regional ceasefire efforts.

On economic matters, he said a rise in transshipment activity at Pakistani ports and urged improvements in logistics and infrastructure to fully benefit from growing regional trade.

He highlighted the strategic importance of Gwadar Port, saying it could become a major international trade hub if adequate facilities and security were ensured.

He said the federal budget had been presented under difficult conditions and reflected efforts to stabilize the economy.

He stressed the need for higher economic growth, better management of the trade deficit, and measures to support local industry, including temporary restrictions on non-essential imports.

He also proposed expanding barter trade agreements with friendly countries such as Saudi Arabia and China to ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves.

Regarding taxation, he welcomed certain relief measures for the textile sector but expressed concern over the increase in minimum tax on exporters, saying it was affecting competitiveness.

He also suggested restoring the Final Tax Regime for exporters.

He further said Pakistan needed greater investment in education and health, said that spending in these sectors remained lower than regional standards.

In agriculture, he pointed to declining cotton production and urged reforms to address water shortages, soil degradation and research gaps, especially in southern Punjab.

Ijaz-ul-Haq urged the government to give greater attention to the salaried class and said while some sectors viewed the budget positively, broader reforms were still needed.

He called for dialogue between the government and opposition to build consensus on a national charter to address economic and security challenges, saying unity was essential for Pakistan’s stability and progress.