ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Monday that Pakistan will host the signing ceremony of the US-Iran peace agreement in Geneva on June 19, describing the development as a historic diplomatic achievement for global peace.
Addressing the National Assembly, the prime minister said the agreement between the United States and Iran marked a major breakthrough after more than three months of conflict and intensive diplomatic engagement. He noted that both sides had agreed to an immediate and permanent end to military operations, including in Lebanon.
The agreement provides a framework to end hostilities, lift the US blockade of Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies. Pakistan played a mediatory role throughout the negotiations and hosted an earlier round of talks between the two sides in Islamabad.
PM Shehbaz congratulated the people of Pakistan, the international community and political leadership across party lines on the achievement. He thanked former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for their support.
The premier also acknowledged the contributions of regional and international leaders, including Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Mohammed bin Salman, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Xi Jinping.
Paying tribute to Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, the prime minister said he played a key role in sustaining negotiations during difficult phases of the peace process. He also praised Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for their efforts.
The agreement is expected to be formally signed in Geneva on Friday, with further negotiations scheduled in the coming weeks to finalize a comprehensive settlement.