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 United States and Iran to ensure the sustainability of the ongoing peace process between them.
Pakistan took center stage as it negotiated a 14-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran on April 8, followed by high-stakes talks in Islamabad attended by senior delegations from the two countries.
Although the talks did not yield the desired results, the ceasefire remains intact and there are reports that the warring countries could meet again in Islamabad before the ceasefire ends.
A statement issued by the PPP on Tuesday said the president met the prime minister at Aiwan-e-Sadr, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was also present.
“President Zardari said the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister should remain proactively engaged with the United States and Iran, as well as major regional and global powers, to ensure the sustainability of the peace process and regional harmony,” the statement said.
He added that President Zardari appreciated the “tireless efforts” of Pakistan’s leaders in hosting the US-Iran dialogue.
The President discussed the prevailing diplomatic and security situation in the region, noting that the situation has a far-reaching impact not only on the region but also on global security, economy and politics in general.
Prime Minister Shehbaz briefed the President on all aspects of the dialogue, giving him detailed information about its various stages and the progress made 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, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, the Chief of the Defense Forces [General Syed Asim Munir] and to all state institutions for their tireless efforts to make this diplomatic initiative a great success. He noted that seamless coordination between all stakeholders was essential to facilitate this high-level engagement.
“The President highlighted the historic role Pakistan has played in promoting global peace and regional stability. He stressed that by providing a platform for such critical dialogue, Pakistan has reaffirmed its position as a responsible and pivotal State in the international community and has once again demonstrated its peacemaking credentials to the world,” the statement said.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to leave for Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (today).
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz also held a meeting with Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi during which key national and regional issues were discussed.
The governor praised the prime minister for his efforts to promote a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, as well as his continued commitment to fostering regional peace.
He also extended his best wishes to the Prime Minister for his leadership in addressing “delicate diplomatic challenges.” The discussion also included an overview of administrative and governance matters in Sindh, with the Governor briefing the Prime Minister on ongoing provincial developments and issues.
