Politicians laud Pakistan’s diplomacy in US-Iran ceasefire

ISLAMABAD: Major political parties, including a broad opposition alliance, welcomed Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts on Wednesday to broker a landmark deal between the United States and Iran, whereas the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) decided to call off its protest rally in Rawalpindi, coinciding with the high-stakes negotiations.

In a display of political maturity amid deep domestic polarisation, major opposition parties commended the government’s mediation efforts. The PTI, the largest opposition party, not only welcomed the two-week ceasefire but also decided to postpone its scheduled April 9 rally at Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi, citing the sensitive international situation and the need to prioritise diplomatic success.

PTI Secretary Information Sheikh Waqas Akram announced the decision on X following a meeting of the party’s Political Committee, which was attended by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and senior office-bearers. The committee reviewed the country’s political situation alongside recent regional developments, welcomed the ceasefire as “an important success,” and appreciated the efforts of all parties involved in securing the truce.

“The PTI desires not merely a temporary halt in the Middle East but a permanent ceasefire and sustainable peace,” the statement said. “Our stance is that stability in the region is the guarantor of the global economy and the survival of humanity.” It added that Pakistan is hosting a highly important meeting on April 10 in Islamabad concerning a permanent ceasefire, emphasising the meeting’s key significance for global and regional peace.

In view of the international context and ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent the escalation of war, the committee decided to postpone the Liaquat Bagh rally. The new date for the gathering will be announced later. PTI founder Imran Khan conveyed the same message through Barrister Salman Safdar, while PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan reiterated it during his speech in the National Assembly.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) also welcomed the development. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, in a post on X, said Pakistan is proud to have led with wisdom, resolve, and a steadfast commitment to peace. He expressed appreciation for the leadership of Iran and the US for stepping back from the brink and opting for dialogue over devastation. He added, “I commend the tireless efforts of the leadership in Tehran, Washington, and Islamabad in creating the space for de-escalation and diplomacy to prevail.”

Mr Bhutto Zardari further said that the ceasefire offers a critical opportunity for the region to pause, recover, and turn away from the threat of a wider war. He expressed hope that the temporary truce would evolve into durable peace, fostering stability and shared prosperity.

Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-F (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman also described the development as positive. In a post on X, he urged Pakistan, alongside other brotherly Islamic countries, to leverage the ceasefire period to promote lasting peace in the region. He added that the Islamic world must recognise that Israel’s existence poses a threat to global peace and emphasised that Arab and Gulf nations can realise their developmental goals only through the liberation of Palestine.

Meanwhile, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), a coalition partner, issued a stronger reaction. MQM Convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui stated on X that Pakistan is the pivot of global peace and described the Islamabad-hosted talks as a victory for humanity, highlighting the country’s central role in supporting international diplomacy and preventing further escalation.