Ceasefire between the United States and Iran still intact: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said the ceasefire between the United States and Iran is still intact, and vigorous efforts are underway to remove bottlenecks in order to secure lasting peace in the region.

He was chairing a meeting of the Federal Cabinet in Islamabad on Monday.

The Prime Minister said it was the first time in the last 47 years that the leadership of both the United States and Iran came into direct engagement as a result of strenuous and sincere diplomatic efforts by Pakistan.

He expressed gratitude to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump for agreeing to the ceasefire and sending high-level delegations to Pakistan for talks.

Shehbaz Sharif said the US delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, and the Iranian delegation, headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, arrived in Islamabad for talks. Both delegations remained continuously engaged for 21 hours, which was unprecedented in recent history.

The Prime Minister further said both sides appreciated Pakistan's sincerity, hospitality, and mediation in hosting the Islamabad Talks. He said that, with the blessings of Allah Almighty, the talks provided an important opportunity to promote global peace.

The Prime Minister also lauded Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar as well as Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, along with their teams, for their tireless efforts in securing the ceasefire and bringing both parties to the negotiating table in Islamabad.

The federal cabinet also unanimously approved a resolution commending Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in promoting regional and global peace.

During the meeting, the prime minister briefed cabinet members on the evolving regional situation and Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue, particularly in relation to recent engagements between Iran and the United States.

The resolution expressed gratitude to Almighty God for enabling Pakistan to play a central role in efforts aimed at establishing peace. It paid tribute to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Army Staff Syed Asim Munir for their leadership in facilitating what it described as “historic peace talks” between the two countries.

According to the resolution, Pakistan’s leadership, along with their teams, worked with dedication and prudence to help bring both sides to the negotiating table, ending a prolonged stalemate that had persisted for decades.

The cabinet particularly acknowledged the continuous and tireless efforts of Ishaq Dar and Asim Munir, noting their round-the-clock engagement in advancing diplomatic initiatives. It also offered prayers for their success in continuing the peace process.

The resolution concluded by expressing hope that Pakistan’s sincere efforts would yield positive results and contribute to lasting peace in the region and beyond, adding that the country’s role would be remembered in global history.