ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday welcomed the implementation of the first phase of the US-Iran ceasefire, expressing hope that the next round of talks scheduled in Islamabad on Friday will prove to be fruitful.
“A ceasefire is the first step. But our destination is lasting peace… The day after tomorrow (Friday), at my invitation, a US delegation is coming to Pakistan. In the same way, an Iranian delegation is also coming to Pakistan,” he said while chairing the meeting of the federal cabinet.
“On record, I would like to thank the leadership of the US and Iran for accepting my request for a ceasefire,” the premier said.
“Pakistan has changed forever, from Karachi to Peshawar,” he said.
The Prime Minister praised the political and military leadership for their active role in mediating between the US and Iran. He also acknowledged the constructive contributions of other countries, including China, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, and Qatar.
PM Shehbaz announced that delegations from the US and Iran are scheduled to visit Pakistan on Friday for talks aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Middle East.
“A ceasefire is just the first step. Our ultimate goal is lasting peace,” he emphasised.
The cabinet members also praised the efforts of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in making the ceasefire possible.
Pakistan has in recent weeks emerged as a key negotiator, playing a central role in bridging communication between Washington and Tehran and helping secure the ceasefire through sustained diplomatic engagement.
Its efforts have drawn widespread international praise, with world leaders and organisations — including the United Nations chief — welcoming Islamabad’s role in facilitating dialogue and supporting moves towards de-escalation and lasting peace in the Middle East.
Both Tehran and Washington announced they had agreed to a two-week ceasefire barely an hour before President Donald Trump’s deadline to obliterate Iran was set to expire.
Accepting Pakistan’s suggestion of a two-week ceasefire, President Trump announced a two-week suspension of military action against Iran following discussions with Pakistan’s leadership.
The negotiations come after US President Donald Trump agreed to suspend military action against Iran for two weeks following direct engagement with Pakistan’s leadership.
