ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday expressed confidence that Pakistan and Iran will enter a new era of prosperity, economic cooperation and stronger bilateral relations following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States.
Addressing the National Assembly, Sharif said Pakistan had achieved global recognition for its role in promoting the peace accord, calling it a moment of pride for the nation.
“Pakistan is being recognized around the world for helping to bring about this peace agreement,” the prime minister said, adding that the achievement reflected the country’s growing diplomatic status.
The Prime Minister thanked Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for playing a key role in the efforts to bring peace in the region. He also acknowledged the contributions of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi.
He also called on the opposition parties to join the government in projecting a message of national unity, saying the success belonged to the entire nation.
The Prime Minister informed that yesterday he received a phone call from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian who thanked Pakistan and its people for supporting Iran in a difficult period.
Sharif said he invited the Iranian president to visit Pakistan and told him that the entire nation will give him a warm welcome on his arrival in Pakistan.
He added that Pezeshkian also invited him to attend the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He assured that a Pakistani delegation would attend the funeral.
Sharif expressed hope that the ceasefire and peace efforts would improve economic conditions in both countries. He noted that international oil prices had fallen significantly after the ceasefire.
He said the government had earlier spent Rs 128 billion to control the impact of rising fuel prices and inflation triggered by regional tensions. He announced that the government would unveil new oil prices later in the day, including a significant reduction in fuel prices.
The prime minister thanked the provincial governments for their cooperation in dealing with economic challenges and acknowledged the roles played by Iran, the United States, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and China in supporting the peace initiative.
He described the diplomatic achievement as a historic moment for Pakistan and expressed gratitude for the international respect the country had received.
Resolution
The National Assembly on Friday passed a unanimous resolution appreciating Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the entire team involved in the US-Iran negotiations.
The resolution, moved by Law and Justice Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, stated: “The House places its deep appreciation on the deliberations of Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and the entire team.”
It said their sincere and tireless efforts had positioned Pakistan as a trusted neutral broker on the global stage.
Parliament also congratulated and appreciated the leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States for the successful implementation and signing of the historic peace agreement.
The National Assembly noted with immense satisfaction and pride the landmark diplomatic breakthrough in the form of the cessation of hostilities and the signing of an agreement on a framework for peace and stability between the United States and Iran.
It further recognized the negative consequences of the conflict on regional peace and stability as well as economic stability and energy security across the globe.
Saudi Crown Prince
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday held a telephone conversation with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and discussed issues related to peace between Iran and the United States.
During their warm and cordial conversation, the Prime Minister congratulated Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the signing of the historic peace agreement in Islamabad.
The Prime Minister expressed deep appreciation to the Crown Prince for his steadfast and consistent support for Pakistan’s peace efforts and hailed him for guiding the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with great wisdom and prudence through this crisis.
He said that it was only with the strong support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as the support of other Gulf states, that the Iran-US peace agreement was signed within a few months.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated the Prime Minister and praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s tireless efforts that led to the successful signing of the peace agreement.
The two leaders agreed that it would now be crucial to ensure that the next phase of Iran-US negotiations proceeds smoothly and that the outstanding issues are resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. In this regard, they both stressed the need to ensure vigilance against any attempt to derail the negotiation process.
While expressing satisfaction over the excellent state of bilateral relations between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Prime Minister stated that the two sides were ready to finalize and sign the comprehensive economic package under the patronage of the Crown Prince. He also reiterated his invitation to His Royal Highness to pay an official visit to Pakistan at his kind convenience.
Taking this opportunity, the Prime Minister also conveyed his respectful greetings and good wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The two leaders agreed to continue their close coordination in the coming days.
