US-Iran talks in Islamabad are a ‘make or break’ for a permanent ceasefire, says PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said late on Friday that the US-Iran talks in Islamabad slated to begin on Saturday were a make or break to achieve a permanent ceasefire in the weeks-long Middle East conflict.

In address to the nation, he described the moment as a “historic occasion” marked by a shift from conflict to dialogue in the Gulf.

He said that parties previously engaged in war had now agreed to resolve their differences through negotiations, signalling a positive step towards regional peace.

The prime minister thanked the leadership of Iran and the United States for accepting Pakistan’s proposal for a two-week ceasefire and its invitation to visit Pakistan for peace talks.

He termed Pakistan’s role in hosting the dialogue as a moment of pride not only for the country but for the wider Muslim world.

PM Shehbaz said Pakistan’s leadership had played a crucial role in convincing both sides to agree to a temporary ceasefire and come to Islamabad for negotiations.

He praised Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for his tireless diplomatic efforts, and commended Field Marshal Asim Munir and his team for their role in easing tensions and facilitating dialogue.

The prime minister cautioned that while a temporary ceasefire had been achieved, the next phase, securing a lasting peace through sustained dialogue, would be a critical “make or break” stage.

Referring to the economic impact of the Middle East conflict, he highlighted rising inflation and reiterated his commitment to pass on relief from declining global oil prices to the public.

He noted that despite advice to withhold full relief in order to recover part of the Rs129 billion spent on mitigating price shocks, the government had decided to extend some benefit to the people.