Pakistan wins international trust and respect: Prime Minister

WEB DESK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared that Pakistan has emerged as a “key force for peace” after facilitating unprecedented face-to-face dialogue between the United States and Iran for the first time in nearly half a century.

Speaking at the 6th International Paigham-e-Islam Conference on Wednesday, the Prime Minister revealed that Islamabad hosted successful negotiations between the two adversaries on 11 and 12 April, resulting in a breakthrough ceasefire agreement.

Addressing a distinguished gathering of global Muslim leaders and diplomats, Sharif noted that the ability to bring Washington and Tehran to the same table ending a diplomatic freeze dating back to 1979 was a testament to the “unprecedented trust” the international community now places in Pakistan.

He extended his gratitude to both nations for choosing dialogue over confrontation, framing the event as a significant service toward regional stability.

Military leadership and regional honours

The conference served as a platform to recognise pivotal figures in the peace process. Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, was conferred the titles of “Leader of Peace” and “Greatest Victorious General of the Century” for his strategic role in fostering stability across the Muslim Ummah.

Prime Minister Sharif specifically commended the joint efforts of Field Marshal Munir and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar in navigating the complex diplomatic channels required to secure the Islamabad talks.

The forum also looked beyond its borders, naming Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as the “Global Personality of 2025.”

The Crown Prince was honoured for his significant contributions to defence cooperation and his role in unifying the Muslim world, with the Prime Minister reiterating that the protection of the Harmain Sharifain remains a fundamental pillar of Pakistan’s faith and foreign policy.

A unified front on Palestine and Kashmir

Beyond the US-Iran breakthrough, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s “unwavering and principled” stance on the independence of Palestine and Kashmir.

He was joined by Palestinian dignitaries, including Dr Mahmoud Al-Habbash and the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, who acknowledged Pakistan’s consistent advocacy on the global stage.

Sharif urged religious scholars to use their influence to combat sectarianism and promote national cohesion, stressing that unity is the country’s strongest shield against external and internal challenges.

Looking ahead, the conference organisers announced that the seventh iteration of the summit will be held in March 2027.

In an ambitious bid to promote interfaith harmony, invitations will be extended to a diverse array of global spiritual leaders, including the Imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Sheikh of Al-Azhar, and the Pope.

The move underscores Islamabad’s growing ambition to act as a permanent bridge between different faiths and conflicting geopolitical blocs.