PM, CDF Munir affirm ‘all out support’ to both sides for peace agreement

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Thursday reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to providing complete support to Iran and the United States in reaching a peace agreement following their earlier two-week ceasefire.

Earlier on Wednesday, the prime minister announced that Iran and the US, along with their allies, had agreed to an immediate ceasefire “everywhere, including Lebanon”, effective immediately. The prime minister invited delegations from both nations to Islamabad on April 10 to negotiate a conclusive settlement.

US President Donald Trump endorsed the two-week truce shortly before a self-imposed deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Posting on Truth Social, he described it as “a big day for world peace” and signalled US support for stabilising the region, including ensuring safe passage through the strategic waterway.

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According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Field Marshal Munir called on the prime minister with both leaders reviewing the progress of Pakistan’s mediatory efforts aimed at achieving sustainable peace in the region.

“The leadership appreciated the restraint demonstrated by all sides and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to facilitate and provide all-out support to both sides to arrive at a peacefully negotiated settlement,” it said.

It added that both expressed satisfaction over the de-escalation achieved so far and underscored the importance of maintaining the ceasefire and ensuring continued restraint by all parties.

The statement further said that the prime minister lauded the commitment shown by the parties involved and wished them success in their pursuit of peace.

He also renewed his invitation to the arriving delegations and assured them of Pakistan’s highest consideration and support.

Bilawal backs PM on diplomacy

Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari telephoned PM Shehbaz, and the two leaders held a detailed exchange of views on the country’s current situation, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

“Bilawal Bhutto Zardari commended the prime minister’s active diplomatic efforts and effective role in ending tensions between Iran and the United States and establishing a ceasefire,” the statement said, while also praising Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace in the region.

The PPP chairman, stressing the need for national unity and solidarity at this critical stage, expressed complete support for the prime minister and the government.

The prime minister thanked the PPP chairman for his views and support and “reaffirmed his resolve that Pakistan will continue its efforts to promote peace, stability and dialogue in the region”.

Both leaders agreed that mutual consultation and national harmony were essential in the current situation to effectively address the challenges at hand, the statement concluded.

The war, now in its sixth week, has claimed more than 5,000 lives in nearly a dozen countries, including more than 1,600 civilians in Iran and over 1,000 civilians in Lebanon, according to tallies from government sources and human rights groups.

Pakistan has played a vital role in aiding diplomatic efforts during the conflict, including hosting consultations with regional powers and facilitating back-channel discussions between Tehran and Washington.

Further, Pakistan worked closely with Beijing on a framework that advocates for de-escalation, the protection of critical infrastructure, and a comprehensive peace agreement.

The prime minister, who played a vital role in mediating the ceasefire, also invited both parties to convene in Islamabad on April 10 “to further negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes.”

Read: Vance to lead US delegation to Islamabad for Iran talks on Saturday

A day earlier, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that President Trump was sending Vice President JD Vance and other negotiators to the Pakistani capital for talks with Iran that were to begin on Saturday.

Trump “was dispatching his negotiating team led by the vice president of the United States, JD Vance, special envoy (Steve) Witkoff and Mr (Jared) Kushner to Islamabad for talks over the weekend,” Leavitt told a news conference.

With several of Iran’s veteran political leaders killed in the war, Tehran’s delegation was expected to be led by the parliament speaker and former Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, along with Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi.