ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said Pakistan desires a permanent end to the US-Iran war for peace in the region, Radio Pakistan reported.
Addressing the sixth International Paigham-e-Islam Conference in Islamabad, he strongly highlighted Pakistan’s mediation efforts, saying these led to the opening of doors for negotiations between the two sides.
He expressed confidence that the dialogue will soon turn into sustainable peace in the region without further loss of human lives.
Terming Pakistan’s role as historic, the prime minister said history will always remember these efforts in golden words. He appreciated the efforts of the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for the ceasefire and talks between the two sides.
The prime minister paid tribute to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his role in peace talks. He said that China, Turkiye and other fraternal countries also contributed to this process.
PM Shehbaz said Pakistan pursued a balanced and principled stance in the current regional context.
He emphasised that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have also opened a new chapter in their bilateral relations, adding that the protection, defence and security of Harmain Sharifain are dearer to Pakistan than our lives. He said the defence agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is a reaffirmation of this firm resolve.
PM Shehbaz said Pakistan stands firm on its principled position on Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir. He said Pakistan will continue to stand by the Palestinian and Kashmiri people until they achieve the right to self-determination.
The prime minister called upon religious scholars to further promote unity and harmony in the Ummah in the light of the teachings of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). He said those who stoke division in the Ummah and perpetrate terrorism cannot be called Muslims.
Addressing the second session of the conference, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Ishaq Dar underscored Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability.
He highlighted sustained diplomatic engagement for de-escalation and dialogue in the region and beyond.
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled stance on Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine. He emphasised the importance of Muslim unity, the central role of the OIC, and collective action for the welfare of the Ummah. He also highlighted Pakistan’s leadership in combating Islamophobia globally and promoting interfaith harmony.
The deputy prime minister paid tribute to Pakistan’s resilience and national resolve, reflecting on the anniversary of “Marka-e-Haq”.
He emphasised that, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, peace, progress and prosperity remain central to Pakistan’s national vision.
Dar welcomed and lauded the participation of distinguished international and national ulema and scholars, noting the importance and timeliness of the conference.
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a pause in “Project Freedom”, an operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, citing “great progress” towards a comprehensive agreement with Iran, as well as requests from Pakistan and other countries.
On February 28, the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran, and Tehran retaliated with strikes on Israel and other regional countries hosting US assets.
The war has been on hold since April 8, when Pakistan mediated a two-week ceasefire. Following the ceasefire, Pakistan hosted the highest-level US-Iran talks since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which ended in Islamabad last weekend without agreement, but the ceasefire was held.
