ISLAMABAD:
President Asif Ali Zardari has charged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to remain proactively engaged with the United States and Iran to ensure the sustainability of the ongoing peace process between them.
Pakistan took center stage when it brokered a 14-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran on April 8, followed by high-stakes talks in Islamabad attended by senior delegations from both countries.
Although the talks have not yielded the expected results, the ceasefire remains intact and there are reports that the warring countries may meet again in Islamabad before the ceasefire ends.
A statement issued by the PPP on Tuesday said the President met the Prime Minister at Aiwan-e-Sadr, also in the presence of FM Ishaq Dar.
“President Zardari said the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister should remain proactively engaged with the United States and Iran, as well as major regional and global powers, to ensure the sustainability of the peace process and regional harmony,” the statement said.
He added that President Zardari appreciated the “tireless efforts” made by Pakistani leaders in hosting the US-Iran dialogue.
The President discussed the current security and diplomatic situation in the region, noting that the situation has a considerable impact not only on the region but also on global security, economy and politics as a whole.
Prime Minister Shehbaz briefed the President on all aspects of the dialogue, providing a detailed briefing on its various stages and the progress made through Pakistan’s mediation.
He also informed the President of his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia and Turkey for further engagement in promoting peace efforts.
“President Zardari congratulated the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Chief of Defense Forces [General Syed Asim Munir] and all state institutions for their tireless efforts to make this diplomatic initiative a great success. He noted that the smooth coordination among all stakeholders helped facilitate this high-level engagement.
“The President highlighted the historic role that Pakistan has played in promoting global peace and regional stability. He remarked that by providing a platform for such crucial dialogue, Pakistan has reaffirmed its position as a responsible and central state in the international community and once again demonstrated to the world its capacity to achieve peace,” the statement said.
The Prime Minister is expected to leave for Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (today).
Besides, Prime Minister Shehbaz also held a meeting with Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi, during which key national and regional issues were discussed.
The governor commended the prime minister for his efforts to promote a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, as well as his continued commitment to regional peace.
He also conveyed his best wishes to the Prime Minister for his leadership in the face of “sensitive diplomatic challenges”. The discussion also included an overview of administrative and governance issues in Sindh, with the governor briefing the Prime Minister on the ongoing developments and issues in the province.
