Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has declared Pakistan’s diplomatic mediation between the United States (US) and Iran a success during an address to the National Assembly (NA) on Friday.
Sharif stated that the peace framework has elevated the country’s international standing. “Several countries have sought such respect for centuries, but could not get the respect that God has blessed Pakistan with today. From Japan to Saudi Arabia, from Kuala Lumpur to Casablanca and from Mexico to India, if any country’s name is reverberating with respect and honour, it is Pakistan’s,” he said.
The premier urged both sides of the aisle to pass a resolution to send a message to the world that, despite “our political differences, we will always be united” for national causes.
He attributed the diplomatic outcome to Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir.
“It is an undeniable truth, whether we like it or not, that the most significant role in this is of Field Marshal Asim Munir, who worked tirelessly day and night, sacrificing his sleep for the last two to three months, to restore peace,” Sharif said.
The PM acknowledged the contributions of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, whom he said “played his part regarding Iran”.
He also thanked Leader of the Opposition Mehmood Khan Achakzai, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and the ruling PML-N’s allies.
Sharif extended thanks to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and China, while noting that US President Donald Trump and Iranian leadership also played their part.
Sharif disclosed that during a telephone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, he invited him to attend the funeral of Iran’s assassinated supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on July 3-4.
Sharif stated, “I said, Pakistan’s delegation will be present there, so we can tell the world how much respect we have for him in our hearts, and that Pakistan and Iran will closely cooperate in the times to come and as a result of the ceasefire, economic prosperity will be witnessed in the region”.
