Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed US President Donald Trump’s diplomatic efforts to reduce the ongoing high tension in the Middle East, calling them “extraordinary efforts to establish peace”.
According to an official statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the US president has held close contacts with the leadership of several important countries, including Pakistan, in the context of the current sensitive situation in the region. He clarified that these contacts could prove to be a milestone in regional peace, stability and clearing the clouds of war.
Global Leadership Mobilized:
This most important development has come at a time when on Saturday, US President Donald Trump had detailed telephonic conversations with the leadership of the most important countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Jordan and Pakistan.
Pakistan was represented in this important diplomatic consultation process and high-level call by the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif further said in this regard:
“Pakistan has always believed in promoting peace, diplomacy and meaningful dialogue in the region. We strongly support every constructive effort that helps prevent war and resolve conflicts peacefully.”
Pak-Iran and Pak-US Diplomacy:
According to political and diplomatic circles, the current global activities are clear evidence that global and regional powers have fully mobilised to keep the rising diplomatic and military tensions between Iran and the United States within a certain limit.
Diplomatic experts say that Pakistan has emerged as a “key negotiator” in this entire crisis. Field Marshal Asim Munir’s recent visit to Tehran, where he held important meetings with the Iranian leadership, and recent continuous contacts with the US leadership testify to the fact that Islamabad is simultaneously playing the role of an acceptable bridge for both sides.
Iranian President’s stance:
On the other hand, Iranian President Masoud Peshkerkian has issued a separate statement saying that despite all international pressure, the Iranian nation is standing strong. Citing the example of the historical city of Khurramshahr in Iran, he said:
“Just as the Iranian people had historically resisted aggressive forces in the past, the entire nation is united today and will not surrender to any pressure.”
This blunt statement by the Iranian president shows that despite hopes of a possible diplomatic breakthrough, the overall situation in the region remains fragile and sensitive.
Framework for a lasting peace
According to international observers and analysts, the immediate objective of the current rapid diplomatic activity is to avert the immediate dangers of war. However, its long-term goal is to develop a sustainable framework through which lasting peace and stability can be achieved in the Middle East.