Iran Peace Efforts
ISLAMABAD: The United States has encouraged Pakistan to maintain its active role in ongoing peace efforts with Iran, aiming to ease tensions in the Middle East amid growing concerns about the potential for a wider conflict involving Israel.
This development took place during a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office.
During their warm and cordial discussion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his best wishes to President Donald Trump and praised him for his bold leadership.
The prime minister also expressed appreciation for Secretary Rubio’s proactive diplomatic efforts, which had played a crucial role in facilitating the recent ceasefire understanding between Pakistan and India. This breakthrough helped avert a major escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted that President Trump’s positive remarks about Pakistan were encouraging signs for establishing durable peace in South Asia.
He underscored the importance of meaningful dialogue between Pakistan and India to address outstanding issues such as Jammu and Kashmir, the Indus Water Treaty, trade relations, and counter-terrorism cooperation. Pakistan remains willing to engage in talks on all these fronts.
The conversation also touched upon the escalating crisis in the Middle East, particularly the conflict between Iran and Israel. The prime minister emphasized the urgent need for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, noting that the situation was alarming not only for the region but for the entire world. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to play a constructive role in any peace efforts aimed at resolving this grave crisis.
Additionally, Prime Minister Shehbaz and Secretary Rubio discussed bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the United States. The premier stressed the necessity of strengthening partnerships in trade, investment, energy, mining, rare earth metals, and information technology.
On security and counter-terrorism, Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s determination to combat terrorism across the country, particularly focusing on groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and other militant organizations. Secretary Rubio acknowledged Pakistan’s counter-terrorism initiatives and assured continued U.S. support in these efforts.
The prime minister also expressed satisfaction over the recent productive meeting between President Trump and Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, in Washington. Both leaders agreed that ongoing talks between the two nations should be converted into tangible actions across various sectors.
Prime Minister Shehbaz called for frequent high-level engagements to build upon the positive momentum in Pakistan-U.S. relations and reiterated his invitation to President Trump for an official visit to Pakistan. He also invited Secretary Rubio to visit Pakistan soon.
Secretary Rubio thanked the prime minister for taking his call and shared his desire to deepen bilateral cooperation across shared interests. He praised Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining the ceasefire with India and recognized its persistent efforts toward regional peace.
In this context, the U.S. secretary encouraged Pakistan, which maintains excellent relations with Iran, to continue facilitating peace efforts in the region. He reiterated America’s commitment to working closely with Pakistan to promote both regional and global peace and stability.
