PM Shehbaz hails Iran-US accord as diplomatic triumph for Pakistan

• Prime minister says Pakistan wins global acclaim as Islamabad MoU opens new chapter of regional peace, prosperity

• Credits Pakistan’s diplomacy for helping secure landmark agreement, praising Field Marshal Asim Munir, Dar and Naqvi praised for key contributions

• Iranian president thanks Pakistan, invited PM to Khamenei’s funeral and lauding Pakistan of people for standing by Iran during a difficult period

• Peace deal expected to boost economy as global oil prices fall as govt announces major cut in petroleum prices

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday hailed the signing of the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” (MoU) between Iran and the United States as a historic diplomatic breakthrough, expressing confidence that the agreement would usher in a new era of peace, prosperity, economic cooperation and stronger bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran while enhancing Pakistan’s standing on the global stage.

Addressing the National Assembly, the prime minister said Pakistan was receiving widespread international recognition for its role in facilitating the peace agreement, describing it as a moment of pride for the entire nation.

“Pakistan is being acknowledged around the world for helping bring about this peace deal, which in fact reflects the country’s growing diplomatic stature,” Prime Minister Shehbaz said.

قومی اسمبلی میں اظہار خیال کرتے ہوئے وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف نے کہا کہ خالق کائنات کا بے حد شکریہ ادا کرتے ہیں جس نے پاکستان کو یہ عزت عطا فرمائی کہ امریکا اور ایران کے درمیان جنگ بندی کا معاہدہ ہوا، اس کیلئے پوری پاکستانی قوم اس ایوان کے تمام اراکین کو بھی مبارکباد پیش کرتے ہیں… pic.twitter.com/TOO6H96QoF

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 19, 2026

He said the successful conclusion of the agreement demonstrated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability and had earned the country international respect and goodwill.

The prime minister thanked Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for playing a key role in efforts aimed at establishing peace in the region. He also acknowledged the contributions of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi.

Calling the achievement a national success, he urged opposition parties to join the government in projecting a message of unity, saying the accomplishment belonged to the entire nation rather than any individual or political party.

Prime Minister Shehbaz informed the House that he had received a telephone call from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday, during which the Iranian leader thanked Pakistan and its people for standing by Iran during a difficult period.

He said he invited President Pezeshkian to visit Pakistan and assured him of a warm welcome from the Pakistani nation. The prime minister added that the Iranian president had also invited him to participate in the funeral prayers of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and assured that a Pakistani delegation would attend the funeral.

Expressing optimism about the economic dividends of the peace agreement, the prime minister said the ceasefire and ongoing peace efforts were expected to positively impact economic conditions in both countries and across the wider region.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses budget session of National Assembly in Islamabad on 19 June 2026. pic.twitter.com/7jOiLtALn6

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 19, 2026

He noted that international oil prices had declined significantly following the ceasefire, a development that would provide relief to economies affected by regional tensions.

Recalling the government’s efforts to shield the public from economic shocks, he said Rs128 billion had been spent to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices and inflation triggered by regional instability.

The prime minister announced that the government would unveil revised petroleum prices later in the day, including a significant reduction in fuel rates.

He also thanked the provincial governments for their cooperation in addressing economic challenges and acknowledged the roles played by Iran, the United States, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and China in supporting the peace initiative.

Describing the agreement as a landmark diplomatic achievement, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed gratitude for the international respect and recognition Pakistan had received for its contribution to regional peace and stability.