Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday, that even though the signing ceremony of an agreement reached between the US and Iran , which is meant to stop a war that started three months ago , would take place in Geneva , the event would be hosted by Pakistan.
“ The signing ceremony of this historic agreement will be held on Friday, June 19, in Geneva, and by the grace of God it will be hosted by Pakistan,” he said while addressing a National Assembly session after he announced the agreement past midnight on Monday. Under the agreement, both the US and Iran agreed on a sort of framework to end the war, stop the US blockade of Iran , and also reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The fighting kicked off in late February , after the US and Israel carried out strikes on Iran. During the conflict, Pakistan stayed actively involved in mediation for peace, and it also hosted the first round of talks between the two sides in Islamabad in April. The direct US-Iran talks were historic but they ended without an agreement. Still, there was also no collapse. This came after Pakistan arranged a ceasefire between the two sides, which has stayed fragile but present. A few days later, PM Shehbaz posted on X that the two sides had reached a “peace deal” following intensive sessions. “Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” he added.Addressing the NA today, PM Shehbaz said that today, the world had reached a “historic milestone” of peace, like really reached it.
The premier said that a new dawn has emerged as “after three months and 16 days of tireless efforts, the US and Iran announced an immediate and permanent end to military action, including in Lebanon”.
He added that the signing ceremony of this historic agreement will be held on Friday, June 19 in Geneva, and PM Shehbaz said that Pakistan will be “hosting” the ceremony too, so there’s that. He also congratulated the people of Pakistan, the international community and the members of the House.
He further thanked PML-N Supremo Nawaz Sharif “whose guidance was always available to me”, and yeah he said it plainly like that. The premier also thanked President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and other party heads as well.
“This is not an agreement between two countries, but it is the success of peace and dialogue — a diplomatic success,” the PM remarked, while praising the top leadership of both countries, step by step.
He said that throughout the negotiation process, the leadership from both the US and Iran showed patience and a strong sense of judgement, even under difficult circumstances.
“As a result, the entire world has come to witness this great day,” he remarked.
In his address, the prime minister also paid tribute to Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani for his “positive role” in the peace process, and also mentioned the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as well as Turkiye’s President Tayyib Erdogan for their “leadership and cooperation”, together.
At this, PM Shehbaz also expressed gratitude to the Chinese President Xi Jinping for his cooperation, like honestly, it mattered a lot.
“I am also thankful to other countries of the world,including the UK, EU member states and other friendly countries, on this historic moment,” he said.
He held that nations have sought for decades the “respect and honour” which has been awarded to Pakistan for its efforts in the peace process. You know, the kind of recognition people keep aiming for.
He reiterated that a “historic milestone” had been achieved with the agreement and Pakistan’s name will be written in “golden letters” in history, for its efforts in the peace process as well.
The prime minister also lauded “great son of the soil” Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, whom the premier said had “sacrificed day and night to extinguish the flames of war and worked towards restoration of peace”.
“Throughout this period, he was awake all day and night,” he said.
He recalled that during the negotiation process, “there were many moments where it felt like the negotiations would come to a halt,” however he said that CDF Munir did not give up, and continued his efforts. As a result of which, yesterday’s announcement was made.
“If this journey had not continued, the dream of peace would have been shattered,” he said, reiterating his appreciation for CDF Munir, who he said played an “unprecedented role”.
The premier also thanked Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, whose efforts, he said, also ensured the success of the peace process, in a very direct way.
PM Shehbaz also commended Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who “played a very important role and engaged with Iranian brothers”, as well as officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
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