The streets of Islamabad have been emptied by a sudden two-day public holiday, declared to enforce a strict security lockdown in the Pakistani capital.

It is against this backdrop, in which both Iran and Israel are considered regional pariahs, that Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt have ramped up their efforts to secure stability in the Middle East.

In the post, Sharif appealed to the United States to extend the truce deadline in Iran and urged the latter to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Observers are questioning whether this was a simple mistake by Pakistan's communications team or the message may not have been drafted within the country.

With 80% of its crude oil trade passing through the Strait of Hormuz, Pakistan faces energy insecurity, higher import bills, and inflation risk amid US-Iran tensions. The article explores alternatives and preparedness.