Pakistan Backs Lebanon Ceasefire, Urges Lasting Peace

Sharif expresses support for sovereignty of Lebanon as tensions persist despite truce

April 17, 2026 at 12:28 PM
icon-facebook icon-twitter icon-whatsapp

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, expressing hope that the agreement would contribute to lasting peace in the region.

In a statement posted on X, Sharif said he welcomed the truce, describing it as the result of “bold and sagacious diplomatic efforts” led by US President Donald Trump.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s “unwavering support” for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon, adding that Islamabad would continue to back all initiatives aimed at achieving a durable peace.

The 10-day ceasefire, announced by Washington, is intended to halt hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, although the group is not formally a signatory to the agreement.

The truce is widely seen as part of broader diplomatic efforts linked to parallel de-escalation initiatives involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Despite the agreement, tensions remain on the ground. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had accepted the ceasefire to support diplomatic efforts, but confirmed that its forces would remain deployed in southern Lebanon.

He added that Israeli troops were working to establish a buffer zone extending roughly 10 kilometres into Lebanese territory.

The ceasefire comes amid ongoing regional efforts to prevent further escalation and create space for wider negotiations.

icon-facebook icon-twitter icon-whatsapp