Karachi, March 25 (ANI): Growing tensions between Iran and the United States are prompting serious concern in Pakistan, where analysts say a breakdown in diplomacy could trigger major economic and social pain.
Senior Karachi journalist Shams Kerio told ANI that negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme have been weakened by recent incidents, including alleged military actions occurring while talks were underway. He said such events undermine the credibility of negotiations and stressed that unresolved disputes are more likely to be settled through conversation than conflict. “Issues can only be resolved through dialogue, not conflict,” Kerio said, adding that Iran will need trustworthy guarantees to rebuild confidence.
Kerio warned that a collapse of talks would hit Pakistan’s already fragile economy hard. He noted Pakistan’s heavy dependence on regional trade and imported oil makes it especially vulnerable to supply disruptions that could drive inflation and social instability. Longstanding fiscal weaknesses—high government spending and limited foreign exchange reserves—would magnify the shock, he said, urging tighter budget controls and reduced expenditure to help limit inflationary pressures during any crisis.
Rising fuel costs, Kerio emphasized, would disproportionately affect the country’s poorest. Daily wage earners, who are already under strain, would face deeper hardship as higher petrol prices push up food costs and reduce employment prospects. Increased energy prices would also raise production costs for both agriculture and industry, worsening food insecurity and unemployment.
He cautioned that a protracted confrontation could draw in other major powers, such as Russia or China, and risk widening the conflict beyond the region. “If the war continues, Pakistan’s economy could collapse due to lack of reserves and weak financial accountability,” Kerio warned, saying ordinary citizens would bear most of the burden.
Despite the risks, he offered guarded optimism that a negotiated settlement could allow for gradual recovery. He argued meaningful progress requires a change in approach—particularly from the United States—and insisted that lasting peace will depend on sincerity, mutual trust and a renewed commitment to dialogue. (ANI)
