- Web Desk
- 1 Hour ago
PM Shehbaz says Pakistan’s US-Iran mediation was guided by sincerity and caution
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- Web Desk
- 1 Minute ago
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday ed hope that ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran would lead to a lasting peace agreement within the next two months, saying Pakistan’s role in facilitating the process had been both an honour and a difficult diplomatic responsibility.
In an interview with Turkish broadcaster TRT, the prime minister said the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding had been signed and technical discussions had begun in Bürgenstock, Switzerland. He said Pakistan had sought to play its part with “honesty, sincerity and caution” because of its position as a neighbouring and brotherly country of Iran.
PM Shehbaz is in Türkiye for Pakistan-Türkiye Business-to-Business Conference in Istanbul, where he described the country as one of Pakistan’s most sincere and dependable allies, saying the relationship between the two countries was rooted in shared history, faith and mutual support. He was earlier in Tehran to attend slain former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral service.
“It is a great honour for Pakistan to play the role of a mediator and bring a truce between the United States and Iran,” he said, describing the effort as a “very difficult and complicated task”.
The premier said Islamabad had remained mindful of the sensitivities involved in engaging with both sides, adding that the process had moved forward despite major challenges.
He thanked Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt for supporting the peace effort, saying the progress achieved so far would not have been possible without the backing of friendly countries.
PMShehbaz particularly acknowledged Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s role, saying he had extended unconditional support to efforts aimed at promoting peace.
Army chief, Dar played key roles, says PM
Responding to a question about the prospects of a final and binding settlement, the prime minister said talks were continuing and cautioned that the process still required sustained effort.
He said Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had played a pivotal role in the mediation process, remaining in contact with both Iranian and US leadership as negotiations unfolded.
According to the prime minister, the army chief worked continuously through difficult moments when the process appeared to be at risk of collapse.
“There were moments when it felt that everything would fall through,” he said, adding that the field marshal remained consistent and did not lose hope.
PM Shehbaz also credited Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for working diligently to support the diplomatic process.
“We hope and pray that things will now move in the right direction,” he said, adding that Pakistan was hopeful of seeing a durable peace arrangement take shape in the coming weeks.
The prime minister said the technical discussions now under way in Switzerland would be important in determining whether the initial understanding could be translated into a broader and lasting settlement.
Pakistan-Türkiye ties rooted in shared outlook
During the interview, PM Shehbaz also praised President Erdogan, describing him as a dynamic and visionary leader who enjoyed respect in Türkiye, Pakistan and beyond.
He said the Turkish president had consistently supported diplomacy and peaceful solutions to regional conflicts, including those involving Gaza, Palestine and Kashmir.
The premier said leaders should be judged by the peace and stability they help secure for their people and the wider region.
He also praised Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, calling him a visionary leader who was contributing to peace and prosperity in the region. Pakistan, he said, would continue to support dialogue and diplomacy in the hope that the current opening could help reduce tensions and bring a more durable period of regional stability.
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