ISLAMABAD:
President Asif Ali Zardari has tasked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to remain proactively engaged with the US and Iran to ensure the sustainability of the ongoing peace process between them.
Pakistan took center stage when it brokered a 14-day ceasefire between the US and Iran on April 8, followed by high-level talks in Islamabad attended by senior delegations from the two countries.
Although the talks did not produce the desired results, the ceasefire remains intact and there are reports that the warring countries may meet again in Islamabad before the ceasefire expires.
A statement issued by the PPP on Tuesday said the President met the Prime Minister at Aiwan-e-Sadr, with FM Ishaq Dar also present.
“President Zardari said the prime minister and deputy prime minister should remain proactively engaged with the US and Iran, as well as major regional and global powers, to ensure the sustainability of the peace process and regional harmony,” the statement said.
It added that President Zardari appreciated the “tireless efforts” of Pakistan’s leadership in hosting the US-Iran dialogue.
Discussing the prevailing security and diplomatic situation in the region, the President noted that the situation has a far-reaching impact not only on the region but also on global security, economy and politics as a whole.
Prime Minister Shehbaz briefed the President on all aspects of the dialogue and gave a detailed briefing on its various stages and the progress achieved through Pakistan’s mediation.
He also informed the President of his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia and Türkiye for further engagement to promote peace efforts.
“President Zardari praised the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Chief of Defense Forces [General Syed Asim Munir] and all government institutions for their tireless efforts to make this diplomatic initiative a great success. He noted that the seamless coordination between all stakeholders was instrumental in facilitating this high-level engagement.
“The President highlighted the historic role Pakistan has played in promoting global peace and regional stability. He noted that by providing a platform for such a critical dialogue, Pakistan has reaffirmed its position as a responsible and central state in the international community and proved its peacemaking credentials to the world once again,” the statement said.
The premier is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (today).
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz also held a meeting with Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi where important national and regional issues were discussed.
The governor praised the prime minister for his efforts to promote a ceasefire between the US and Iran, as well as for his continued commitment to promoting regional peace.
He also conveyed his best wishes to the Prime Minister for his leadership in navigating “sensitive diplomatic challenges”. The discussion also included an overview of administrative and governance affairs in Sindh, where the governor briefed the prime minister on ongoing provincial developments and issues.
