Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on 4 November 2026 that Pakistan is continuing its efforts to restore peace in the Middle East. He spoke at a federal cabinet meeting, according to Dawn. He also said global fuel prices have risen sharply because of instability in the region. Here is what he said, what Pakistan has done so far, and what is not yet clear.
What the Prime Minister Said
Dawn reports that the Prime Minister made these points at the cabinet meeting on Wednesday:
- Pakistan is continuing its efforts to restore peace in the Middle East, as global fuel prices rise.
- Global oil prices have “skyrocketed” because of instability in the region.
- “Pakistan is playing its role as before in restoring peace in the region.”
- He pointed to Pakistan’s recent contacts with Tehran and other regional players, and to its engagements under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
Dawn marked its report “More to follow,” so it may be updated. It names Iran only, and gives no details of any new peace plan.
What Pakistan Has Done Before
The Prime Minister’s words “as before” point to earlier work. Other reports from this year give some detail:
- April 2026: Geo News reported that the Prime Minister said Pakistan had made “every effort to cool down the flames of war in the region.” Geo says Pakistan has been mediating between Washington and Tehran. It says Pakistan hosted ministers from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt and passed messages between the two sides. It also says Pakistan and China jointly urged the US, Israel and Iran to stop the strikes and begin peace talks.
- June 2026: Aaj News reported a Foreign Office briefing. The spokesperson said Pakistan was continuing its diplomatic efforts for peace and stability in the Middle East. It said Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to the spokesperson, Rubio “appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and diplomatic engagement.” It also said the Prime Minister took a call from the Iranian president.
These are Pakistan’s own accounts, reported by Pakistani outlets. I did not find a statement from Iran or the US confirming Pakistan’s role in this article’s sources.
Why Fuel Prices Matter to Pakistan
In April, Geo reported that the Prime Minister said Pakistan was being affected economically by the war. It said the government cut the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) by Rs100 billion within three weeks. It also said controlling inflation was among the top priorities. The Prime Minister’s 4 November comment on oil prices fits this worry, but Dawn gives no figures on current fuel prices.
What About the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement?
Dawn mentions it only in passing. The report does not say which countries are parties or what it covers. I could not find a clear explanation in the sources I opened, so I am not describing it here.
What Is the Situation Now?
Dawn’s page lists two related headlines, “Iran warns against return to war after US strikes” and “US signals progress in Iran talks to avert flare-up.” I could not open them. I also could not confirm the latest state of US and Iran talks from the sources I checked. Follow Dawn and other news outlets for updates.
What Is Not Clear
- What specific steps Pakistan is taking now.
- Which countries and leaders it is talking to, apart from Tehran.
- What the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is and who is in it.
- How much fuel prices have risen and how that will affect Pakistan.
- How Iran, the US or Gulf states see Pakistan’s role today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did PM Shehbaz say?
That Pakistan is playing its role “as before” in restoring peace in the Middle East.
Where did he say it?
At a federal cabinet meeting on 4 November 2026, according to Dawn.
Why did he mention fuel prices?
He said global oil prices have “skyrocketed” because of instability in the region.
Which country did he name?
Iran, through “Tehran,” according to Dawn.
Has Pakistan acted as a mediator before?
Geo News reported in April that Pakistan was relaying messages between Washington and Tehran. These are Pakistani reports.
What is the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement?
Dawn does not explain it in this report.
The story is still developing, so check for updates.
