Balancing Act
Balancing Act: With the war in the region, Pakistan stands at the center of all talks, negotiations, and discussions. This has brought both praise and criticism. Islamabad must stay careful. The country is walking a tightrope, balancing domestic and international pressures. If the conflict continues, maintaining this balance will become even harder.
Petrol Handling
The challenge is linked to Pakistan’s fragile economy and an unpopular government. The government struggles to gain support from the people. Experts warn that global oil price rises or other shocks could leave the country with few options.
The handling of petrol prices shows this struggle. The government first raised prices by Rs55 when international prices rose. Officials said they had no choice. Later, the prime minister announced he would hold off on further hikes. He claimed he and the army chief had agreed to delay any increase.
Government Criticism
Officials said the subsidy could not last forever, but they gave no clear timeline. The government asked provincial governments to share the burden. Then three ministers announced another price hike. Within 24 hours, the prime minister lowered taxes on fuel to reduce the cost.
The public criticized the government for indecision. Explanations about IMF approval did not convince many. This revealed the government’s failure to reduce expenses or widen the tax base. High indirect taxes forced the price increases. The petroleum minister admitted that officials missed revenue targets. This raised questions about internal disagreements.
Risk of Unrest
If oil prices rise further, the government will face more pressure. Rising costs could hurt exports, inflation, and the balance of payments. People may protest, and the government fears unrest. Authorities react strongly to any demonstration. The Federal Constitutional Court even reviewed the Imran Rehai Force, a proposal the PTI ignored.
International Strain
Pakistan also struggles internationally. The country must maintain ties with the IMF, the US, Gulf states, and Iran. Returning a UAE loan shows how Islamabad balances these relations. Offending Gulf countries can hurt the economy. Strained ties with Iran can affect the Shia community. Changes in Tehran could further complicate matters.
The longer the conflict continues, the harder Pakistan’s balancing act becomes. The war in the Middle East is tough for the world and exhausting for Islamabad. Ending the conflict soon would benefit the country.
Published in Dawn, 7th April 2026
