By Anzal Amin
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Monday, said that for the first time in the last 47 years, the US and brotherly country Iran had held the highest level of direct talks in Islamabad hosted and brokered by Pakistan with complete facilitation.
Addressing a cabinet meeting, the prime minister said the Islamabad Talks helped thinned away the clouds of war affecting the entire region with prospects of peace.
He said when going down the annals of history, they could learn that Oslo Accord, Geneva Accord, Good Friday Accord and Sudan internal fighting etc; took years to end armed conflicts and ensure peace.
“I bear witness that during the 21 hours delegations levels talks both sides (US-Iran) for the first time in history, negotiated directly,” he added.
The prime minister, in his remarks broadcast on national Tv channels, maintained that the country’s leadership worked hard and as result of their sincere efforts, ceasefire was still intact while efforts were afoot to resolve the sticking issues between two sides.
Terming Islamabad Talks as ‘a historic event’, he said Pakistan hosted the global event to bring about a truce and ensure peace at a time when the global economy was in turmoil.
He further said the US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance and Iranian side led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf visited Pakistan on their request and expressed his gratitude to the dearest brother Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump for accepting Pakistan’s request by agreeing upon two-week ceasefire.
The prime minister said in the early 70s, Pakistan had also played a role between China and the US.
The US and Iran delegations had also appreciated Pakistan’s role and its sincerity. The credit for the positive and historic achievement went to the entire nation, he added.
The prime minister mentioned that he received a call from the Japanese prime minister and other European countries leaders who had appreciated Pakistan’s role and peace efforts.
The prime minister said it was indeed a matter of immense pride and honour for the entire 240 million people of Pakistan.
Terming it a result of the hard work of the government and prayers of the nation, he also commended, on behalf of the government and entire nation, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, his team and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and his team in this regard.
The prime minister disclosed that the field marshal and his team kept awake for nights and made things happen on the critical moments. Such efforts would be remembered in the golden words.
On the occasion, the entire cabinet members paid them huge applause and prayed for the peace and stability in the region.
