President urges proactive US-Iran engagement

President Asif Ali Zardari has tasked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to remain proactively engaged with the United States and Iran to ensure the sustainability of the ongoing peace process between them. Pakistan took centre stage when it brokered a 14-day ceasefire between the US and Iran on April 8, followed by high-stakes talks in Islamabad attended by senior delegations from the two countries. Although the talks did not yield the desired results, the ceasefire remains intact, and there are reports that the warring countries may meet again in Islamabad before end of the ceasefire. A statement issued by the PPP on Tuesday said the president met the prime minister at Aiwan-e-Sadr, with FM Ishaq Dar in attendance as well. "President Zardari said the prime minister and the deputy prime minister should remain proactively engaged with the US and Iran, as well as major regional and global powers, to ensure the sustainability of the peace process and regional harmony," the statement said. It added that President Zardari appreciated the "untiring efforts" by Pakistan's leadership in hosting the dialogue between the US and Iran. The president discussed the prevailing security and diplomatic situation in the region, noting that the situation has a far-reaching impact not only on the region but also on global security, economy and politics at large. PM Shehbaz briefed the president on all aspects of the dialogue, providing a detailed briefing on its various stages and the progress achieved through Pakistan's mediation. He also apprised the president of his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia and Türkiye for further engagement to promote the peace efforts. "President Zardari praised the prime minister, the deputy prime minister/foreign minister, the chief of defence forces [General Syed Asim Munir] and all state institutions for their untiring efforts in making this diplomatic initiative a great success. He noted that the seamless coordination between all stakeholders was instrumental in facilitating this high-level engagement. "The president highlighted the historic role Pakistan has played in promoting global peace and regional stability. He remarked that by providing a platform for such a critical dialogue, Pakistan has reaffirmed its position as a responsible and pivotal state in the international community and proved its peace-making credentials to the world once more," the statement said. The premier is scheduled to leave for Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (today). Separately, PM Shehbaz also held a meeting with Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi, during which key national and regional matters were discussed. The governor commended the prime minister for his efforts in promoting a ceasefire between the US and Iran, as well as for his continued commitment to fostering regional peace. He also conveyed his best wishes to the prime minister for his leadership in navigating "sensitive diplomatic challenges". The discussion also included an overview of administrative and governance matters in Sindh, with the governor briefing the prime minister on ongoing provincial developments and issues.