PM Shehbaz commends US, Gulf nations for 'giving peace a chance'

As we proceed to *Islamabad Talks*, I wish to extend our deepest and sincere gratitude to our brotherly countries People’s Republic of China, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Republic of Türkiye, Arab Republic of Egypt and State of Qatar for extending invaluable and all out support…

“The leadership of all our brotherly countries and the US demonstrated exceptional strategic foresight, sagacity, and patience in giving peace a chance,” he added.

He also thanked all partners and friends across the globe who have reached out and acknowledged Pakistan’s sincere efforts for global peace.

“Let us all work together to forge a lasting peace in the region and beyond,” he said.

Earlier, PM Shehbaz during a telephonic conversation, congratulated Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the ceasefire between Iran and the United States, the Prime Minister's Office said in an official statement. He also conveyed his respects to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

I had a warm and substantive conversation with President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran, this afternoon.

I conveyed my deep appreciation for the wisdom and sagacity of the Iranian leadership in accepting Pakistan’s offer to host peace talks in Islamabad later this week to work…

According to the statement, PM Shehbaz “conveyed his deep appreciation for the wisdom and sagacity of the Iranian leadership in agreeing to the ceasefire” and for accepting Pakistan’s offer to host negotiations between Iran and the United States in Islamabad later this week.

President Pezeshkian, in response, “thanked the Prime Minister and appreciated the efforts of the Pakistani leadership to bring about a temporary ceasefire” and conveyed “his best wishes for the people of Pakistan,” it added. He confirmed that Iran would be participating in the upcoming negotiations in Islamabad.

The statement further noted that both leaders “agreed to remain in close contact” as the diplomatic process continues.

Earlier on Wednesday, PM Shehbaz announced that Iran and the United States, along with their allies, had agreed to an immediate ceasefire “everywhere, including Lebanon,” effective immediately. The prime minister invited delegations from both nations to Islamabad on April 10 to negotiate a conclusive settlement.

Read more: World leaders praise Pakistan after US‑Iran ceasefire

US President Donald Trump endorsed the two-week truce shortly before a self-imposed deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Posting on Truth Social, he described it as “a big day for world peace” and signalled US support for stabilising the region, including ensuring safe passage through the strategic waterway.

The Islamabad-hosted talks, brokered by Pakistan, will mark a significant milestone in the de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East and underscore Islamabad’s growing role in facilitating regional diplomacy.

The US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on February 28, killing more than 2000 people in Iran to date, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and leaving tens of thousands injured, with civilian areas, including residential buildings and religious sites, among those hit.

The conflict also expanded geographically. Iran retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. It also restricted the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

Israeli operations against Iranian-linked targets intensified, while Iranian missile barrages struck central Israel, causing damage and heightening fears of further escalation.