President Zardari lauds Pakistan’s role in US-Iran peace efforts

ISLAMABAD: Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday commended Pakistan’s sustained diplomatic efforts in facilitating peace talks between the United States and Iran during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The meeting, held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, reviewed the evolving regional security and diplomatic situation, with both leaders noting its wide-ranging implications for global stability and economic conditions.

Pakistan recently emerged as a key mediator in the US-Iran conflict after PM Shehbaz helped secure a two-week ceasefire on April 8. Following the truce, delegations from Washington and Tehran arrived in Islamabad and engaged in more than 20 hours of negotiations over the weekend. However, the talks concluded without a final agreement.

The conflict, which began on February 28 following coordinated US-Israeli strikes targeting Iran’s leadership and infrastructure, has led to over 2,000 deaths and heightened regional tensions. Tehran responded with retaliatory actions, including disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on US and Israeli targets.

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During the meeting, the prime minister briefed the president on various stages of dialogue between the two sides and progress achieved through Pakistan’s mediation efforts. He also informed him about his upcoming visits to Saudi Arabia and Turkiye aimed at advancing peace initiatives.

President Zardari praised the coordinated efforts of key officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, as well as state institutions involved in facilitating the talks.

He said the initiative demonstrated Pakistan’s historic role in promoting global peace and reaffirmed its position as a responsible and influential state on the international stage.

The president emphasised the need for continued diplomatic engagement with Washington, Tehran, and other global stakeholders to ensure lasting peace and regional harmony.

The meeting was also attended by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, along with senior political figures including Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Sherry Rehman and Nayyar Bukhari.