TODAY’S PAPER | April 08, 2026 | EPAPER

Rare unity across political aisle with praise for govt in securing US-Iran ceasefire

Politicos from treasury and opposition benches congratulate premier and field marshal


Web Desk April 08, 2026 10 min read
People gather after a two-week ceasefire in the Iran war was announced, in Tehran, Iran, April 8, 2026. PHOTO: REUTERS

Political leadership on Wednesday appreciated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for their effort in brokering a two-week US-Iran ceasefire, terming it a milestone achievement as it portrayed the country's positive image around the world.

Pakistan has played a vital role in supporting diplomatic efforts during the conflict. Since the onset of the war, both political and military leadership have intensified efforts for de-escalation, which ultimately led to the ceasefire.

PM Shehbaz, early on Wednesday morning, announced that Iran and the United States "along with their allies have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere, including Lebanon and elsewhere, effective immediately". He further invited the US and Iran's "delegations to Islamabad on Friday to negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes".

Pakistan had also hosted consultations with regional powers and facilitated back-channel discussions between Tehran and Washington. Further, Pakistan worked closely with Beijing on a framework that advocates for de-escalation, the protection of critical infrastructure, and a comprehensive peace agreement. The announcement has garnered global and national praise for Pakistan's efforts in achieving the ceasefire.

Pakistan Peoples Party Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in a post on X said, "Pakistan is proud to have led with wisdom, resolve, and a steadfast commitment to peace, and remains deeply appreciative of the leadership of Iran and the United States for stepping back from the brink and choosing dialogue over devastation."

He commended the tireless efforts of the leadership in Tehran, Washington and Islamabad in creating the space for de-escalation and diplomacy to prevail.

Bilawal said that the ceasefire offered a critical opening for the region to breathe, recover and turn away from the shadow of a wider war.

"May this not remain merely a pause in conflict, but become the beginning of a durable peace, one that unlocks stability, promotes cooperation, and advances shared prosperity for our region and the world," he added.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said, "The dream of Iqbal is taking shape in reality under the leadership of PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Asim Munir."

Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain lauded the prime minister and the field marshal for their efforts in the peace process.

“Pakistan’s leadership turned the impossible into possible and protected the region from potential destruction. Our diplomatic efforts in challenging circumstances paved the way for peace,” the minister said.

Read more: PSX surges over 12,000 points after Pakistan‑brokered US‑Iran ceasefire

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry highlighted Pakistan’s global recognition, saying, “Pakistan has once again asserted its leadership on the international stage, presenting itself as a symbol of peace, wisdom, and responsibility."

He described the prime minister's “courageous and visionary leadership”, coupled with the “strategic guidance” of the field marshal.

He also praised the efforts of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, noting, “His continuous and coordinated diplomatic efforts effectively showcased Pakistan’s stance worldwide.”

Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi remarked, “Pakistan’s timely actions protected the region from a major crisis, and the successful diplomacy of field marshal was key to maintaining peace.”

Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain echoed similar sentiments, “Under the visionary leadership of PM Shehbaz, Pakistan played an effective and dignified role in global diplomacy. Islamabad’s successful negotiations are an important milestone for lasting peace in the region.”

Minister for IT Shaza Fatima also praised the leadership in a statement, saying, “Pakistan’s commitment to peace, dialogue, and regional stability has once again been demonstrated." saying that Pakistan deserves recognition, "even a Nobel Peace Prize," for promoting peace.

Federal Energy Minister Awais Leghari, in a post on X, extended congratulations to PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Asim Munir for ensuring a ceasefire between the US and Iran.

"It looked impossible yesterday, but by the grace and mercy of Allah these two leaders achieved the impossible and saved this entire region from destruction and turmoil," the minister added.

Federal Minister and President of the Stability Pakistan Party Aleem Khan also took to X, describing the achievement as a “triumph of high-level diplomacy” that has “successfully de-escalated critical tensions.” He added that it proves Pakistan’s “indispensable and constructive role” in global stability and called the breakthrough a “vital breath of fresh air” for the region.

The minister also noted the ceasefire represents a “decisive step” toward easing global energy pressures and mitigating the resulting economic challenges. Expressing hope for the future, he said Pakistan looks forward to “lasting stability and prosperity” and congratulated the country’s leaders for guiding this historic process.

"Well done. Mr prime minister, well done field marshal, well done, deputy PM. You made us proud," read the statement by Federal Minister of Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi shared by the Pakistan Railways X account.

Senior Sindh Minister Saeed Ghani expressed pride over the country’s pivotal role in averting potential conflict and regional economic disruption. Writing on X, he said, “As a Pakistani, today my head is held high with pride.”

He highlighted the collaboration of national leadership, noting the contributions of the president, prime minister, foreign minister, and Field Marshal Asim Munir in working “together with friendly countries to prevent a potential war and avert economic devastation in the region.”

Also Read: US, Iran agree to Pakistan-brokered two-week ceasefire with reopening of Strait of Hormuz

Ghani described these efforts as “truly historic”, emphasising the critical role Pakistan played despite facing domestic economic challenges and a complex global conflict.

Opposition Members

Opposition members from different parties also took to X to congratulate Pakistan on its successful mediating role.

The Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan, an opposition alliance, welcomed the two-week ceasefire and expressed hope that both parties would fully implement it, paving the way for lasting peace in the region.

“Sustainable peace in the Middle East requires a just resolution of issues concerning not only Iran but also Lebanon, Syria and Gaza,” the movement said in a declaration issued after a meeting, reaffirming its commitment to playing an effective role in promoting peace at the global level.

The meeting also called on the government to promote dialogue in national politics, uphold the rule of law and pursue reconciliation, stating that respect for public opinion was the foundation of national development.

“To emerge from internal crises, all political forces must unite and initiate serious negotiations,” it added.

Separately, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairperson Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said he “welcomes the two-week ceasefire in Iran war” and expressed hope for a “permanent ceasefire and long‑lasting peace in the Middle East.” He underscored that every country’s sovereignty will be respected and added that he appreciates efforts in achieving this milestone.

While cautioning that the truce must hold, he said he expects no party will violate this ceasefire and voiced economic hopes, noting that “oil prices are now reduced for ordinary people.”

Former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail also took to X, saying that this is a moment of great relief for the whole world and a moment of pride for Pakistan. "We at Awaam Pakistan hope and pray that this ceasefire will become permanent and no country will ever again threaten to wipe out another," the minister added.

The former minister congratulated Field Marshal Munir for his "instrumental role" in ending the conflict and PM Shehbaz, FM Dar and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Former federa; minister Asad Umar also welcomed what he described as “great news about ceasefire”, praising the “outstanding role played by Pakistan to stop destruction in Iran & GCC and save every single person in the world from economic pain.”

He voiced admiration for Iran’s stance, saying he was “proud of Iran the way it stood up to aggression” and added that he was “proud of being a Pakistani.”

Expressing a note of caution, he warned to “look out for Netanyahu still trying to scuttle peace”, while underscoring the broader hope that the ceasefire leads to stability and economic relief, including lower oil prices that would benefit ordinary people worldwide.

Former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair called the ceasefire “nothing less than a miracle which looked impossible till late last night,” praising “Pakistani leadership [for playing] a critical role” and adding that they “deserve congratulations”. He expressed hope that “this temporary ceasefire evolves into a permanent peace”.

Former education minister Shafqat Mahmood took to X to commend the country’s diplomatic role in the Middle East ceasefire, saying, “great role played by Pakistan in arranging a ceasefire between Iran and US/Israel.”

He noted that “negotiations between the warring parties also due to start in Islamabad on April 10”, adding this was “further evidence of Pakistan’s critical role in stopping this conflict”. Mahmood described the development as a “proud day for all of us, irrespective of political differences”.

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