President orders Prime Minister, FM Dar with proactive engagement between the US and Iran to achieve success in the peace process

President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday directed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif 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, 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 speculation about a second round of talks continues to grow.

A statement issued by the Pakistan People’s Party today said a meeting was held between the President and the Prime Minister at Aiwan-e-Sadr today, with Deputy Prime Minister 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 said the situation had a far-reaching impact not only on the region but also on global security, economy and politics as a whole.

Prime Minister Shehbaz took the President into confidence 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 commended the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Chief of Defense Forces and all government institutions for their tireless efforts to make this diplomatic initiative a grand success. He noted that the seamless coordination among 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.

Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz also held a meeting with Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi where important national and regional issues were discussed.

Governor Hashmi 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.