The National Assembly was informed on Monday that Pakistan will host the signing ceremony of the agreement reached between the United States and Iran, scheduled for Friday in Geneva.
Prime Minister's Announcement
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the House at the outset of the budget session, stating, "The signing ceremony of the historic agreement between the US and Iran will be held on Friday in Geneva. By the grace of God, it will be hosted by Pakistan." His announcement was met with desk-thumping, primarily from treasury bench members.
Details of the Agreement
The US and Iran have reached a consensus to end hostilities after three and a half months and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The formal signing, hosted by Pakistan, will lead to the reopening of the strait and other key points. Pakistan played a central mediating role in the peace process.
PM Shehbaz described the agreement as "not merely an agreement but also the success of peace and dialogue — a diplomatic success," speaking in an emotional tone. He informed members that both sides have declared a permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. The military operations had been a major obstacle to reaching a consensus.
A Historic Milestone
The Prime Minister humbly stated that the world had achieved a "historic milestone" of peace, with a new dawn emerging after "three months and 16 days of effort." He praised the US and Iranian leadership for demonstrating patience and wisdom under difficult circumstances.
He paid tribute to Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan for their positive roles. He also expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping, the UK, EU member states, and other friendly nations. He declared that Pakistan's name would be written in "golden letters" in history for its peace efforts.
Recognition of Key Figures
The Prime Minister lauded "great son of the soil" Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, who he said worked day and night to extinguish the flames of war. He noted that negotiations often seemed on the verge of collapse, but Munir persisted. He also thanked Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for engaging with Iranian brothers, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials.
He congratulated the people of Pakistan, the international community, and House members on the historic deal, and thanked PML-N Supremo Nawaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and other party leaders.
Ministerial Comments
Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif appreciated PM Shehbaz and CDF Asim Munir for their contributions, stating they resolved the sensitive matter with wisdom and patience. He appealed to Gulf States to unite in this moment of peace and stand with Muslims in Gaza and Lebanon.
Lawmakers from both sides later shared their views on the peace agreement and budgetary proposals.
