Pakistan’s role in US-Iran mediation a ‘shining moment in history’: PM

• Premier Shehbaz says world now views Pakistan as an ‘honest mediator’ trusted by global powers

• Credits political-military partnership for transforming Pakistan’s international image

• Praises Field Marshal Asim Munir, FM Dar for key diplomatic efforts, hopeful of second round of direct US-Iran talks for lasting peace

• Says Islamabad remains committed to defeating terrorism, ensuring regional stability

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has described Pakistan’s emergence as a key mediator between the United States and Iran as a “shining moment in our history”, crediting the country’s political and military leadership for transforming Pakistan’s international image through coordinated diplomatic efforts.

The prime minister made these remarks in an interview with The Sunday Times published on Saturday night, as Islamabad continues its efforts to promote de-escalation between Washington and Tehran amid lingering regional tensions.

“It’s one of the shining moments in our history. Pakistan is acknowledged worldwide as an honest mediator and as a country in which international leadership has full trust and faith. It’s our shining hour, and I feel a very proud Pakistani — as do 240 million Pakistanis,” PM Shehbaz was quoted as saying.

The premier’s remarks came as military pressure and fears of renewed confrontation continue to shape the conflict that erupted following US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February.

Although a comprehensive peace agreement has yet to be reached, hostilities have largely subsided since the two sides agreed to a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire on April 8. Following the truce, a historic first round of direct US-Iran talks was held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, with Pakistan serving as mediator. The talks concluded without a formal agreement but also without a breakdown.

With efforts underway to arrange a second round of negotiations, Islamabad has continued its diplomatic outreach. In the latest development, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Iran, where he met President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf.

Diplomatic sources said the visit was linked to Pakistan’s continuing efforts to revive the stalled Iran-US peace process after US President Donald Trump rejected Tehran’s latest response to American proposals.

In the interview, PM Shehbaz expressed optimism about the prospects of a second round of direct talks leading to lasting peace.

“By a stroke of good luck, we have been placed in this prestigious position,” he said.

“Fortunately, Iran trusts Pakistan as does the US administration — and also the Gulf states — and I’m grateful to Presidents Trump and Pezeshkian for accepting our invitation,” he added.

The prime minister stressed that peace efforts required patience, wisdom and persistence despite difficult circumstances.

“Peace is never won easily. You have to have patience, sagacity and the ability to move things despite the most difficult challenges,” he said.

“As we speak, we’re still doing our best to ensure that this peace effort achieves a long-lasting peace through another session here in Islamabad, and we are hopeful that will happen,” he added.

PM Shehbaz further said Pakistan’s global image had improved significantly due to what he described as close coordination between the political and military leadership.

“Our international image has completely changed through this partnership of our political and military hierarchy,” he noted.

The premier also praised Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his role in the diplomatic process.

“What we are seeing is a team effort of the political and military leadership. I must acknowledge that the Field Marshal has played a critical role, which will be recorded in history,” he said.

He also commended Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for “engaging his counterparts and making untiring efforts” to support the peace initiative.

During the interview, PM Shehbaz was also asked about recent tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and allegations regarding civilian casualties in Afghanistan — claims Islamabad has denied.

Responding to the question, the prime minister said Pakistan was once again facing a serious wave of terrorism despite repeated efforts to engage Kabul diplomatically.

“Our country is facing an onslaught of terrorism again despite our best efforts — whether it’s from Kabul, the TTP, the BLA and other externally sponsored proxies,” he said.

He maintained that Pakistan had repeatedly conveyed peaceful messages to Afghanistan, stressing the need for long-term neighbourly relations and regional stability.

“With Afghanistan, we had no other choice but kinetic action against terrorist hideouts and support infrastructure. We have lost hundreds of police and soldiers,” he said.

“We sent peaceful messages to Kabul, telling them we have to stay neighbours forever, we share a boundary spanning over 2,000 kilometres and that if there is peace, there will be prosperity for both of us.”

The prime minister said Pakistan’s only demand from Kabul was to prevent militant groups from operating from Afghan soil.

“What should we do? Have lunch or dinner with them while our innocent people are being killed?” he asked.

“It’s our unwavering commitment to wash the stigma of terrorism from the face of this country. It’s a war we are fighting not just for Pakistan but the world over,” the premier added.