Dar highlights sustained diplomatic engagement for de-escalation and dialogue in the region, beyond
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses the Sixth International Paigham-e-Islam Conference in Islamabad. SCREEN GRAB
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that Pakistan wants 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 life.
Terming Pakistan’s role as historic, the Prime Minister said history will always remember these efforts with golden words. He appreciated the efforts of Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Staff 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 brotherly countries also contributed to this process.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said Pakistan was pursuing a balanced and principled stand in the current regional context.
He emphasized that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have also opened a new chapter in their bilateral relations and added that the protection, defense and security of Harmain Sharifain is more expensive for Pakistan than our lives. He said that the defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is a confirmation of this firm will.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said that Pakistan stands by its principled stand 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 urged 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 that those who incite division in the Ummah and commit terrorism cannot be called Muslims.
Addressing the second session of the conference, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Ishaq Dar emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability.
He highlighted continued diplomatic commitment to de-escalation and dialogue in the region and beyond.
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled stand on Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine. He emphasized 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 harmony among religions.
The Deputy Prime Minister hailed Pakistan’s resilience and national resolve and reflected on the anniversary of “Marka-e-Haq”.
He emphasized that under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, peace, progress and prosperity remain central to Pakistan’s national vision.
Dar welcomed and praised the participation of prominent 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 deal with Iran, as well as requests from Pakistan and other countries.
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran, and Tehran retaliated with attacks on Israel and other regional countries that host American assets.
The war has been on hold since April 8, when Pakistan brokered a two-week ceasefire. After the cease-fire, Pakistan hosted the highest-level US-Iran talks since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which ended in Islamabad last weekend without a deal, but the cease-fire was held.
