Khawaja Asif urges vigilance as US-Iran ceasefire offers 'hope for lasting peace'

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday welcomed the two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, expressing optimism about its success while urging the Muslim world to remain alert to any threats to regional stability.

The development follows an announcement by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that Washington and Tehran, along with their allies, had agreed to an immediate ceasefire across all fronts, including Lebanon. He also invited delegations from both countries to Islamabad on April 10 for talks aimed at reaching a permanent settlement.

US President Donald Trump endorsed the temporary truce, calling it “a big day for world peace” and reaffirming support for regional stability, particularly the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Addressing the National Assembly, Asif stressed the importance of safeguarding the ceasefire gains. He highlighted Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between both sides of the Gulf and reiterated that promoting peace aligns with Islamic principles.

The minister also pointed to Pakistan’s growing diplomatic stature, saying the country had earned global recognition for its peace efforts. However, he warned of Israel’s expanding influence across Western and Arab regions, urging Muslim nations to unite and take a more assertive stance.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s readiness to lead within the Muslim world, Asif described the moment as one of unprecedented pride, noting that the country’s international standing had significantly improved in recent years.