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 after the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States.
Addressing the National Assembly, Sharif said Pakistan had gained global recognition for its role in facilitating the peace agreement, terming it a proud moment for the nation.
“Pakistan is recognized around the world for contributing to the conclusion of this peace agreement,” 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 spreading a message of national unity, saying success belonged to the entire nation.
The Prime Minister informed that yesterday he received a phone call from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who thanked Pakistan and its people for their support to Iran during a difficult time.
Sharif said he invited the Iranian president to visit Pakistan and told him that the entire nation would 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 fallen significantly after the ceasefire.
He said the government had already 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 oil prices later today, including a significant reduction in fuel rates.
The Prime Minister thanked the provincial governments for their cooperation in handling economic challenges and acknowledged the role played by Iran, the United States, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey 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 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 of Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, said: “The House expresses its deep gratitude to 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 negotiation process.
He 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 leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America for the successful completion and signing of the historic peace agreement.
The National Assembly noted with immense satisfaction and pride the historic diplomatic breakthrough in the form of the cessation of hostilities and the signing of an agreement on a framework of peace and stability between the United States and Iran.
He further recognized the negative consequences of the conflict on regional peace and stability, as well as economic stability and energy security across the world.
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 issues 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 signing the historic Islamabad Peace Accord.
The Prime Minister expressed his deep gratitude to the Crown Prince for his constant and constant support for 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 strong support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as other Gulf states, that the Iran-US peace deal was signed within months.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated the Prime Minister and praised the tireless efforts of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, which led to the successful signing of the peace agreement.
The two leaders agreed that it would now be vital to ensure that the next phase of negotiations between Iran and the United States proceeds smoothly and that outstanding issues are resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. In this regard, they both stressed the need to remain vigilant against any attempts to derail the negotiation process.
While expressing satisfaction over the excellent state of bilateral relations between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Prime Minister said that both 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.
Taking this opportunity, the Prime Minister also conveyed his respectful greetings and best 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 coming days.
