by Muhammad Faraz
For powerful countries, wars are often discussed through military strategies, diplomatic statements, and geopolitical calculations. But for an ordinary Pakistani, conflicts between nations like the United States and Iran are understood very differently. They are felt in kitchens, fuel stations, electricity bills, markets, and household budgets. The common man in Pakistan may not sit in international conferences or understand every political equation, but he understands one thing clearly: whenever tensions rise in the world, life becomes harder for people like him.
In recent years, Pakistan has found itself in a delicate position between the United States and Iran. While world powers debate sanctions, military presence, and regional influence, ordinary Pakistanis watch petrol prices climb almost overnight. A taxi driver in Karachi, a factory worker in Faisalabad, or a school teacher in Lahore does not benefit from these global confrontations. Instead, they carry the burden of rising inflation caused by instability in the region.
Non indicano uno straccio di programma di sviluppo per l’Italia, si insultano e si indignano. Ma che politica è?
Il dibattito parlamentare dell'11 giugno ha offerto una serie di spettacoli indimenticabili per la loro pochezza, una serie... →
For many Pakistanis, the issue is deeply personal. Every increase in fuel prices affects transport fares. Higher transport costs increase food prices. Electricity becomes more expensive. Small businesses suffer. Salaried people, whose incomes remain fixed, struggle to survive until the end of the month. Families that once managed a comfortable middle-class lifestyle are now forced to cut down on basic necessities. Meat becomes a luxury, utility bills become a source of stress, and parents constantly worry about school fees and medical expenses.
This is why many ordinary Pakistanis do not support becoming part of foreign conflicts or international power struggles. The public has already witnessed the consequences of previous wars fought in the name of alliances and security cooperation. Pakistan’s involvement in the Afghan conflict and the global war on terror brought years of violence, terrorism, economic damage, and insecurity inside the country. Thousands of civilians and security personnel lost their lives, while ordinary citizens suffered through fear, instability, and uncertainty.
Because of these painful experiences, there is a strong feeling among the Pakistani public that the country should avoid taking sides in conflicts between major powers. Most Pakistanis believe that Pakistan must maintain balanced relations with both the United States and Iran while staying away from direct confrontation. This position is not based on weakness; it is based on experience.
Perché non parleremo dei Mondiali di Calcio a Casa Trump e “vicinato obbligato”
Oggi iniziano i Mondiali di Calcio di Casa Trump e vicinato obbligato, che dureranno una vita, come al... →
The average Pakistani understands that relations with the United States remain important for economic and diplomatic reasons. America still holds influence in global financial institutions, international trade, and foreign investment opportunities that affect Pakistan’s struggling economy. At the same time, people also believe Pakistan cannot ignore Iran, a neighboring Muslim country connected through geography, culture, religion, and border security.
However, the common citizen does not view these relationships through complex diplomatic language. People simply ask practical questions: Will another regional conflict increase petrol prices again? Will electricity bills rise further? Will the Pakistani rupee weaken even more? Will inflation make daily life impossible for poor families?
These concerns have become even stronger in recent years because economic pressure on ordinary Pakistanis has already reached alarming levels. Inflation has reduced purchasing power across the country. Young graduates struggle to find jobs. Small shopkeepers complain that customers no longer buy freely. Daily wage workers fear that one illness or one unexpected expense could destroy their entire monthly budget. In such conditions, the idea of Pakistan becoming involved in another geopolitical confrontation creates anxiety among the public.
There is also a growing nationalist sentiment among Pakistani youth and middle-class citizens who believe the country must stop acting as a battlefield for the interests of stronger nations. Many people now openly say that Pakistan should prioritize its own stability, economy, and people above foreign agendas. They want an independent foreign policy focused on peace and economic recovery rather than military involvement.
At the same time, Pakistan’s balanced approach between the United States and Iran is often appreciated by ordinary citizens because it reflects caution and realism. Most people do not want hostility with either country. They understand that Pakistan’s economy cannot survive prolonged instability, nor can society handle another wave of extremism or sectarian tension.
The common Pakistani today does not dream of global influence or regional dominance. He simply wants affordable fuel, stable electricity, better job opportunities, and a peaceful life for his family. He wants his country to maintain dignity in international relations without becoming trapped in another costly conflict.
For the world, tensions between the United States and Iran may be about strategy and power. But for millions of Pakistanis, they are about survival. And that is perhaps the clearest explanation of why ordinary people in Pakistan strongly support peace, balance, and neutrality in an increasingly divided world.
(11th may, 2026)
©gaiaitalia.com 2026 – alla rights reserved