ISLAMABAD:
Major political parties, including a broad opposition alliance, on Wednesday welcomed Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts to broker a historic deal between the United States and Iran, as the PTI decided to cancel its protest rally in Rawalpindi, coinciding with high-stakes negotiations.
Demonstrating political maturity in a context of deep domestic polarization, the main 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 rally scheduled for April 9 at Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi, citing the sensitive international situation and the need to prioritize diplomatic success.
Information about PTI Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram announced the decision on X after a meeting of the party’s political committee, which was attended by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and senior officials.
The committee reviewed the country’s political situation and recent regional developments, hailed the ceasefire as “an important success” and appreciated the efforts of all parties involved.
“The PTI wants not just a temporary halt in the Middle East but a permanent ceasefire and lasting peace,” the statement said. “Our position is that stability in the region is the guarantee of the global economy and the survival of humanity.”
He added that Pakistan would host a very important meeting on April 10 in Islamabad regarding a permanent ceasefire, noting that this meeting was of paramount importance for global and regional peace.
Considering the international context and diplomatic efforts to save the region from war, the committee decided to postpone the gathering at Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi. The new date will be announced later.
PTI founder Imran Khan conveyed the same message through lawyer Salman Safdar, while PTI Chairman’s lawyer Gohar Ali Khan reiterated it during his speech in the National Assembly.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also welcomed the development.
In an article on “I commend the tireless efforts of leaders in Tehran, Washington and Islamabad to create space for de-escalation and diplomacy.”
He added that the ceasefire provides the region with a crucial opening to breathe, recover and turn away from the shadow of a wider war, expressing hope that it will evolve into a lasting peace promoting stability and shared prosperity.
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman called the development a welcome one. In an article on
He added that it is essential that the Islamic world recognizes that Israel’s existence has become a threat to world peace, and said Arab and Gulf countries can only realize their development aspirations through the liberation of Palestine.
The coalition partner MQM reacted more forcefully. In a statement on
