Politicians welcome Pak diplomatic feat

PPP, JUI-F, MQM hail development; PTI calls off protest

ISLAMABAD:

Major political parties, including a broad opposition alliance, welcomed Islamabad's diplomatic efforts on Wednesday to broker a landmark deal between the United States and Iran, as the PTI decided to call off its protest rally in Rawalpindi, coinciding with the high-stakes negotiations.

In a display of political maturity amid deep domestic polarisation, major opposition parties welcomed the government's mediation efforts.

The PTI, the largest opposition party, not only welcomed the two-week ceasefire but also decided to postpone its scheduled April 9 rally at Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi, citing the sensitive international situation and the need to prioritise diplomatic success.

PTI Secretary Information Sheikh Waqas Akram announced the decision on X after a meeting of the party's Political Committee, attended by Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and senior office-bearers.

The committee reviewed the country's political situation and recent regional developments, welcomed the ceasefire as "an important success," and appreciated the efforts of all parties involved.

"The PTI desires not merely a temporary halt in the Middle East but a permanent ceasefire and sustainable peace," the statement said. "Our stance is that stability in the region is the guarantor of the global economy and the survival of humanity."

It added that Pakistan is hosting a highly important meeting on April 10 in Islamabad regarding a permanent ceasefire, noting that the meeting holds key importance for global and regional peace.

In view of the international context and diplomatic efforts to save the region from war, the committee decided to postpone the rally at Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi. The new date will be announced later.

PTI founder Imran Khan conveyed the same message through Barrister Salman Safdar, while PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan reiterated it during his speech in the National Assembly.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also welcomed the development.

In a post on X, he wrote that 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 US for stepping back from the brink and choosing dialogue over devastation. "I commend the tireless efforts of the leadership in Tehran, Washington, and Islamabad in creating the space for de-escalation and diplomacy to prevail."

He added that the ceasefire offers a critical opening for the region to breathe, recover, and turn away from the shadow of a wider war, expressing hope that it would evolve into a durable peace promoting stability and shared prosperity.

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman termed it a welcome development. In a post on X, he described the easing of tensions as positive and urged Pakistan, along with other brotherly Islamic countries, to use the period to push for lasting peace in the region.

He added that it is essential for the Islamic world to agree that Israel's existence has become a threat to global peace, and said Arab and Gulf countries can realise their aspirations for development only through the liberation of Palestine.

The MQM, a coalition partner, offered a stronger reaction. In a statement on X, MQM Convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said Pakistan is the pivot of global peace and the Islamabad talks are a victory for humanity.