Pakistan, Iran to enter new era of prosperity, says PM

Shehbaz, MBS urge smooth progress in next phase of peace talks

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday expressed confidence that Pakistan and Iran would enter a new era of prosperity, economic cooperation and stronger bilateral relations following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States.

Addressing the National Assembly, Sharif said Pakistan had earned global recognition for its role in facilitating the peace agreement, calling it a moment of pride for the nation.

"Pakistan is being acknowledged around the world for helping bring about this peace deal," the prime minister said, adding that the achievement reflected the country's growing diplomatic stature.

The prime minister thanked Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for playing a key role in efforts to establish peace in the region. He also acknowledged the contributions of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi.

He also called on opposition parties to join the government in projecting a message of national unity, saying the success belonged to the entire nation.

The prime minister informed that yesterday, he received a telephone call from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who thanked Pakistan and its people for supporting Iran during a difficult period.

Sharif said he invited the Iranian president to visit Pakistan and told him that the entire nation will warmly welcome him upon his arrival in Pakistan.

He added that Pezeshkian also invited him to participate in the funeral prayers of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He assured that a Pakistani delegation would attend the funeral.

Sharif expressed hope that the ceasefire and peace efforts would improve economic conditions in both countries. He noted that international oil prices had declined significantly following the ceasefire.

He said the government had previously spent Rs128 billion to control the impact of rising fuel prices and inflation triggered by regional tensions. He announced that the government would unveil new petroleum prices later in the day, including a significant reduction in fuel rates.

The prime minister thanked provincial governments for their cooperation in managing economic challenges and acknowledged the roles played by Iran, the United States, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and China in supporting the peace initiative.

He described the diplomatic achievement as a historic moment for Pakistan and expressed gratitude for the international respect the country had received.

 

Resolution

The National Assembly on Friday passed a unanimous resolution appreciating Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and the entire team engaged in the US-Iran negotiation process.

The resolution, tabled by Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, stated: "The House places on record its profound appreciation for the Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and the entire team engaged in the process of negotiations."

It said their sincere and tireless efforts had positioned Pakistan as a trusted neutral mediator on the global stage.

The House also congratulated and appreciated the leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America for the successful completion and signing of the historic peace deal.

The National Assembly noted with immense satisfaction and pride the landmark diplomatic breakthrough in the form of cessation of hostilities and the signing of an agreement on a framework for peace and stability between the United States and Iran.

It further recognized the negative fallout of the conflict on regional peace and stability, as well as on economic stability and energy security across the globe.

 

Saudi Crown Prince

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday held a telephone conversation with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and discussed matters related to peace between Iran and the United States.

During their warm and cordial conversation, the Prime Minister congratulated Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the signing of the historic Islamabad Peace Deal.

The Prime Minister expressed deep appreciation to the Crown Prince for his steadfast and consistent support to Pakistan's peace efforts and paid tribute to him for leading the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with great wisdom and sagacity throughout this crisis.

He said that it was only with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's strong support, as well as the support of other Gulf states, that the peace deal between Iran and the US was signed within a few months.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated the Prime Minister and praised the untiring efforts of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, that led to the successful signing of the peace deal.

The two leaders agreed that now it would be vital to ensure that the next phase of negotiations between Iran and the US progresses smoothly, and the outstanding issues are resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. In this regard, they both stressed upon the need to ensure vigilance against any attempt to derail the negotiation process.

While expressing satisfaction on the excellent state of bilateral relations between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Prime Minister stated that the two sides were ready to finalize and sign the comprehensive economic package, under the patronage of the Crown Prince. He also reiterated his invitation to His Royal Highness to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his kind convenience.

Availing himself of this opportunity, the Prime Minister also conveyed his respectful regards and good wishes to The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The two leaders agreed to continue their close coordination in the days ahead.