Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has described the recently signed Iran-US agreement as a major step toward global peace, saying Pakistan’s mediation efforts played a historic role in facilitating dialogue between the two countries.
Speaking during a National Assembly session on Tuesday, the prime minister said Pakistan worked sincerely to reduce tensions and help secure a ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
The prime minister called the day a historic moment and said the agreement has the potential to establish peace not only in the region but across the world.
According to Shehbaz, Pakistan mediated in the Iran-US peace process, which ultimately led to a ceasefire between the two countries. He said talks on nuclear issues and frozen assets would continue and could contribute to long-term stability and peace.
Pakistan played key role in mediation
The prime minister said Pakistan made great efforts with sincerity and determination to bridge differences between Washington and Tehran. He stated that Pakistan also signed the Iran-US memorandum of understanding (MoU) and actively participated in the diplomatic process.
According to Shehbaz, the leadership of both Iran and the United States came to Burgenstock, where intensive discussions continued day and night.
The prime minister said negotiations continued around the clock in Burgenstock and eventually resulted in a joint declaration.
“A joint declaration was prepared at around 2:30 or 3 in the morning,” he told the House. He added that all parties later ratified the joint declaration, paving the way for the ceasefire and the next phase of diplomacy.
Technical talks to continue for 60 days
Shehbaz Sharif said technical-level discussions between the United States and Iran will continue over the next 60 days. He expressed optimism that significant progress would be achieved during the period and that there was every hope of reaching a long-term agreement.
The prime minister said future talks would focus on nuclear matters and frozen assets as negotiators work toward a final settlement.
Iranian president’s visit to strengthen bilateral ties
The prime minister informed the National Assembly that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was arriving in Pakistan on Tuesday. He said the visit would further strengthen relations between Pakistan and Iran and create new opportunities for cooperation.
According to Shehbaz, discussions with the Iranian leadership will focus on deepening bilateral ties and expanding collaboration between the two neighboring countries.
He urged political parties to avoid divisive debates and demonstrate national unity during the Iranian president’s visit. “We should leave aside controversial issues and prepare for the visit of the Iranian president,” he said.
He added that the day was not meant for protests or political confrontation but for celebrating a diplomatic achievement that had brought international recognition to Pakistan.
Pakistan’s image enhanced globally
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s role in the peace process received widespread international attention. He noted that Pakistan’s image was prominently highlighted in global media coverage and described the recognition as invaluable.
“This honour could not have been achieved even by spending billions of rupees,” the PM remarked. He also congratulated members of parliament and the public on what he called a significant diplomatic success.
PM highlights provincial harmony
The prime minister emphasized the importance of unity and harmony among Pakistan’s provinces. He said resources were being allocated to all provinces through mutual agreement and cooperation.
According to Shehbaz, Punjab is spending Rs11 billion on other provinces as part of efforts to promote balanced development.
“If one province develops, it is not the development of the country,” he said. “Pakistan’s development is only possible through the development of all four provinces.”
PM responds to opposition criticism
During his speech, the prime minister also criticized remarks made by the opposition leader regarding the legitimacy of the current government. He said he regretted what he described as the opposition leader’s “mental innovation” in calling the government illegal.
Shehbaz argued that if the government formed after the 2018 elections was considered legal, then the current government should also be regarded as legal.
The PM called for an investigation into the 2018 general elections. He questioned whether there had been manipulation, “magic,” stuffing of ballot boxes and threats during that electoral process.
“If the details are revealed, the issue will go far,” he said.
He added that he would not comment on certain issues in the absence of the opposition leader, noting that the opposition could have presented proposals after its speech.
