Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s international standing has significantly improved through its role in US-Iran mediation following the conflict that erupted after US-Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, the premier described Pakistan’s diplomatic role as one of the country’s “shining moments,” saying Islamabad had acted as an “honest mediator” trusted by global powers and had helped secure an extended ceasefire between Tehran and Washington.
PM Shehbaz said Pakistan remained hopeful that another round of direct talks between Iran and the US would soon take place in Islamabad to help achieve a lasting peace agreement.
“Peace is never won easily,” the prime minister said, adding that diplomacy required patience, wisdom and persistence even during difficult circumstances.
He stated that both Iran and the US administration trusted Pakistan’s mediation efforts, along with support from Gulf countries. The premier also thanked US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for accepting Pakistan’s invitation for dialogue.
PM Shehbaz credited Pakistan’s political and military leadership for the diplomatic initiative, particularly praising Field Marshal Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for their roles in the process.
He said the country had gained a “prestigious position” internationally through the coordinated efforts of Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership.
The prime minister also thanked Trump for previously helping ease tensions between Pakistan and India, saying his intervention had helped prevent a possible regional catastrophe.
Discussing regional security, PM Shehbaz defended Pakistan’s actions against militant groups operating from Afghanistan, saying Islamabad had repeatedly sought peaceful engagement with Kabul but had no option other than kinetic action against terrorist hideouts.
He added that Pakistan’s primary demand from Afghanistan was to prevent militant organisations from using Afghan territory for attacks against Pakistan.