It is not often that Pakistan finds itself at the centre of a global narrative in which the world says “thank you.” Yet the flurry of congratulatory messages–from Beijing to Brussels, from Ankara to Tokyo–landing at Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s desk suggests that Islamabad has stepped into a diplomatic role few predicted for it just months ago.

On Monday, Sharif announced that Pakistan will host the formal signing of a US-Iran peace memorandum in Geneva on June 19. Briefing the National Assembly, he called the accord “the success of peace and dialogue – a diplomatic success.”

In this game of chicken, Pakistan’s diplomats have served as constant shuttle mediators. They knew that waiting for a perfect alignment of interests would mean waiting for war.Balochistan News Feed

In this game of chicken, Pakistan’s diplomats have served as constant shuttle mediators. They knew that waiting for a perfect alignment of interests would mean waiting for war.

The accord, reached after 107 days of war that began with US?Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, provides for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a roadmap for further negotiations.

Sharif had earlier said in a post on X, “Peace has never been this close as it is now.”

Shortly afterwards, writing on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump declared that “The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete,” before authorising the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the removal of the US naval blockade. “Congratulations to all!” he wrote. “Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”

Later, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan thanked Pakistan for its “exceptional mediation efforts.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also singled out Pakistan’s mediators alongside Qatar for the breakthrough. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the agreement as “an opportunity for peace that must be seized,” adding that a heartfelt thanks went to the mediators and “in particular to Qatar and Pakistan”. The Dutch, Kuwaiti and Japanese foreign ministries similarly paid tribute to Islamabad’s sustained and constructive diplomacy. Iran’s Supreme National Security........

© Daily Times