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Thursday, 7 May, 2026 | 19 Dhul-Qadah, 1447
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PREMIER SHEHBAZ SAYS PAKISTAN REFLECTS GROWING GLOBAL TRUST IN ITS DIPLOMACY
DAR AND FIELD MARSHAL MUNIR LAUDED FOR FACILITATING NEGOTIATIONS
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ISLAMABAD
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 42 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
EXPRESSES OPTIMISM ISLAMABAD’S DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENT WOULD LEAD TO SUSTAINABLE PEACE IN REGION
HIGHLIGHTS UNITY OF MUSLIM UMMAH AND SCHOLARS’ ROLE, REAFFIRMING STRONG STANCE ON PALESTINE, KASHMIR
THANKS LEADERSHIP OF BOTH IRAN AND US FOR AGREEING TO CEASEFIRE PATH, LAUDING SAUDI CROWN PRINCE, CHINA AND TURKEY FOR REGIONAL SUPPORT
Pakistan hoPefUl Us-iran ceasefire can be tUrned into Permanent Peace: dar ISLAMABAD
staff report
saleem Jadoon
RIME MINISTER Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said Pakistan successfully persuaded the Iranian and US leadership to engage in dialogue for the first time since 1979, with talks held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, as the country emerged as a key force for peace and stability in the region through unprecedented diplomatic efforts to facilitate peace in the Middle East. Addressing the 6th International Paigham-e-Islam Conference in Islamabad, the prime minister expressed optimism that Pakistan’s continued diplomatic engagement would lead to sustainable peace in the region. He also thanked the leadership of Iran and the United States for accepting Pakistan’s invitation and agreeing to a ceasefire. He said Pakistan had emerged as a key force for peace and stability in the region through its diplomatic efforts in facilitating unprecedented talks between Iran and the United States, reflecting the confidence the international community places in Pakistan. He added that the country had rendered a significant service aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the region. The prime minister said the conference reflected the unity of the Muslim Ummah and acknowledged the
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vital role of religious scholars in promoting harmony and cohesion. Advisor to the President of Palestine on Religious Affairs and Islamic Relations and Supreme Judge (Qazi ul Qaza) of Palestine Dr. Mahmoud Al-Habbash, Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestine Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Hussein, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, and Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy also attended the event. PM Shehbaz paid tribute to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his key role in maintaining regional peace. He also acknowledged the support of China, Turkey, and other friendly countries in promoting
stability and dialogue. Commending national leadership, the prime minister appreciated Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their efforts in bringing both sides to the negotiating table. He prayed for the success of Pakistan’s efforts toward achieving a permanent ceasefire and reiterated the importance of strong bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia, noting that ties had reached new heights, including enhanced defence cooperation. He reaffirmed that the protection of Harmain Sharifain remained a matter of faith for Pakistan. Referring to recent challenges, the prime minister said the entire nation stood united
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday expressed hope that the indefinitely extended ceasefire between the United States and Iran could be transformed into a permanent peace arrangement, following Pakistan’s facilitation of direct negotiations between the two sides for the first time in 47 years. Addressing the 6th International Paigham-e-Islam Conference in Islamabad, the foreign minister said Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts were aimed at securing both direct negotiations and a ceasefire. “First it happened, then it was extended, then extended a second time, then a third time,” he said, referring to the successive extensions of the ceasefire. “At least the deaths of several hundred people a day — with the toll going into the thousands — has stopped,” he added.
beyond sectarian differences and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to peace and stability. He urged religious scholars (Ulema) to play a proactive role in promoting unity and national cohesion through their sermons, encouraging collective strength for national stability. Reaffirming Pakistan’s principled stance on Palestine and Kashmir, he said Pakistan would continue supporting their peoples
US President Donald Trump has indefinitely extended what was initially a two-week ceasefire between the two countries, brokered with the assistance of Pakistan’s mediation. However, the conflict — along with its wider economic repercussions — remains unresolved. The deputy prime minister said efforts were now focused on turning the ceasefire into a “permanent end to the war,” urging prayers for Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives. He also called on Muslim countries to strengthen unity, stressing that collective action would make their efforts more effective in resolving regional conflicts. Dar noted Pakistan’s role in bringing the United States and Iran to direct negotiations for the first time in 47 years, saying Pakistan “played its full part” from February 28 to the present in responding to the crisis.
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until they achieve freedom and independence. He also strongly condemned elements involved in terrorism and attempts to divide the Muslim Ummah. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the prime minister distributed shields among prominent personalities in recognition of their outstanding services to the Muslim Ummah.
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