Mian Zahid Hussain, President of the Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum & All Karachi Industrial Alliance, Chairman National Business Group Pakistan, Chairman Policy Advisory Board FPCCI, and Former Provincial Minister of Information Technology, has expressed deep concern over the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict, warning that the crisis is inflicting unprecedented damage on Pakistan’s economy, particularly the industrial heartland of Karachi. He noted that the tragedy of ongoing hostilities, compounded by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, has not only jeopardised over 20% of global oil and gas exports but also forced a severe downgrade of Gulf Cooperation Council economic forecasts. Mian Zahid Hussain emphasised that safeguarding economic lifelines and maintaining regional balance is no longer just a diplomatic priority but an absolute necessity for the survival of domestic industries.

The logistical impacts on Karachi’s industrial sectors are becoming increasingly unbearable. With international shipping lines avoiding volatile maritime routes, industrial zones such as SITE, Korangi, and Landhi are facing an acute shortage of empty containers and steep increases in freight rates. Mian Zahid Hussain pointed out that raw material imports essential for the textile, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing sectors are severely delayed at Karachi Port Trust and Port Qasim, creating a crippling backlog. Consequently, export orders are being compromised, factory output is shrinking, and production costs have skyrocketed, threatening layoffs across the country if alternative maritime corridors and supply chains are not secured immediately.

In light of these mounting challenges, Mian Zahid Hussain strongly commended the proactive and strategic diplomacy demonstrated by Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership. He stated that the recent high-level visits to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia underscore the nation’s unwavering commitment to its closest allies and to regional peace. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s crucial meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah sends a clear, unequivocal message that Pakistan stands in full solidarity with Saudi Arabia during these turbulent times.

Furthermore, the former provincial minister highlighted that the Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, made an emergency visit to Riyadh, a vital step in reinforcing the historic September 2025 Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement. His discussions with Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman regarding joint measures to halt unprovoked attacks showcase the operational readiness and shared security vision of both nations. Mian Zahid Hussain also recognised the critical diplomatic interventions led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, which have been instrumental in actively pursuing alternative economic lifelines, including Pakistan’s formal request for a backup oil supply route through Yanbu Sea Port.

While firmly advocating for the sovereignty of all nations and the immediate cessation of hostilities, Mian Zahid Hussain stated that unprovoked aggression undermining the stability of Gulf partners cannot be ignored. Pakistan is executing a highly complex balancing act to prevent strategic partners from being further embroiled in a conflict that threatens global prosperity, while simultaneously implementing necessary domestic austerity measures to weather the economic storm. He urged all international stakeholders to prioritise diplomacy and exercise the utmost prudence, warning that a prolonged conflict will only deepen the supply chain crisis and inflation affecting millions.

Mian Zahid Hussain concluded by reaffirming the business community’s full support for the leadership’s efforts to navigate this crisis, ensure national energy security, and foster a peaceful resolution that restores stability to the Middle East and the global economy.