Iran, US delegations to visit Pakistan on Friday to hold talks: PM Shehbaz
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday announced that delegations from Iran and the United States will arrive in Pakistan on Friday to hold talks, expressing hope that the ongoing temporary ceasefire will evolve into a permanent peace.
Addressing a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister said Pakistan’s “real goal is sustainable and lasting peace,” noting that recent tensions had brought the world to the brink of a wider conflict.
“The flames of war were engulfing the entire world,” he remarked, adding that the situation had now de-escalated over the past two weeks.
Shehbaz Sharif termed Pakistan’s diplomatic role in the crisis a historic achievement, saying the country was being acknowledged globally.
“The honour that Pakistan has received today is a historic moment. Pakistan is being mentioned all over the world,” he said, attributing the success to collective national efforts.
The prime minister praised what he described as unprecedented coordination between political and military leadership.
“I have never seen such cooperation in my entire life,” he said, adding that despite internal and external challenges, the leadership remained united throughout the crisis.
He paid special tribute to Field Marshal Asim Munir, calling him the “hero of the 2025 war.”
According to the premier, the army chief remained actively engaged in diplomatic efforts, staying awake for several nights and maintaining continuous contact with American leadership to help secure the ceasefire in the Middle East.
The prime minister also acknowledged the role of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, stating that his contribution to the ceasefire process was significant.
Highlighting Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach, Shehbaz Sharif said he remained in contact with regional and international leaders, including the Saudi Crown Prince, assuring full support from Pakistan’s leadership and people.
He expressed gratitude to multiple countries for their cooperation in peace efforts, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.
He also thanked the Iranian president and the US administration for responding positively to Pakistan’s efforts and engaging in dialogue.
“I am grateful to the Iranian president who accepted my request, and to the US administration for their cooperation,” he said.
Referring to broader challenges, the prime minister said attempts had been made during the conflict to create divisions, but these were thwarted due to unity among state institutions.
He added that Pakistan had also managed to stabilise its economy, claiming that the government had “stopped the doomsday storm of inflation.”
Reaffirming his optimism, Shehbaz Sharif said he hoped the ceasefire would hold and eventually lead to a permanent end to the conflict. “God has granted us an honour that cannot be achieved even in a lifetime. Inshallah, this war will end forever,” he said.