Pakistan's name reverberating with respect across the world, says PM Shehbaz after US-Iran deal

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday that Pakistan’s name was reverberating with respect across the world after the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding — an agreement reached between the US and Iran to end a war that began in late February.

He said this while addressing the National Assembly, noting that Pakistan had earned respect globally after mediating between the US and Iran.

“Several countries have sought such respect for centuries, but could not get the respect that God has blessed Pakistan with today. From Japan to Saudi Arabia, from Kuala Lumpur to Casablanca and from Mexico to India, if any country’s name is reverberating with respect and honour, it is Pakistan,” he said.

The premier said that if the National Assembly adopted a resolution in this regard, it would not just be an affirmation of Pakistan’s “great success” in its peace endeavour, but it would also send a message of unity and solidarity to the world.

He urged both sides of the aisle to collectively send a message to the world that, despite “our political differences, we will always be united” for national causes.

The premier said if he would not specifically name those who had worked day and night for peace between the US and Iran, even at the cost of repetition, “I will not be fair to myself, to yourself, to this honourable House and to the people of Pakistan”.

“It is an undeniable truth, whether we like it or not, that the most significant role in this is of Field Marshal Asim Munir, who worked tirelessly day and night, sacrificing his sleep for the last two to three months, to restore peace,” he said.

He also thanked Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for contributing to peace efforts and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, whom PM Shehbaz said “played his part regarding Iran”.

He also congratulated Leader of the Opposition Mehmood Khan Achakzai and other opposition members, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and other allies of the ruling PML-N.

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