PM Shehbaz says Pakistan working to facilitate Iran-US meeting, stresses right to development

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan is continuing efforts to promote peace in the region and facilitate a meeting between Iran and the United States.

Addressing a gathering at the United Nations headquarters in New York marking the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development, the prime minister said every individual has the right to seek a better future.

He said the Declaration on the Right to Development, adopted 40 years ago, reaffirmed that development is a right of the people.

“The message of the declaration was very clear,” PM Shehbaz said, stressing that the purpose of development is not merely to generate wealth.

He said social development should be promoted while ensuring human dignity.

The prime minister noted that debt servicing was limiting fiscal space in the developing world, while climate-related disasters were further aggravating challenges.

Pakistan seeking Iran-US ceasefire

Speaking about the regional situation, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan had not lost hope and was continuing efforts for peace.

He said Pakistan was working for a ceasefire between Iran and the United States, adding that Islamabad wanted peace and stability in the region.

The prime minister said the Islamabad Agreement had been signed by US President Donald Trump, Iran and Pakistan.

Asked by a journalist whether there was a possibility of a meeting between Iran and the US, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan was trying to bring the two sides together again.