ISLAMABAD Pakistan and the United States have pledged to work closely together for lasting peace and regional stability, particularly in the Middle East. The commitment came during a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday.
In a warm and cordial exchange, Prime Minister Shehbaz praised US President Donald Trump’s “bold and decisive leadership” in facilitating a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. He also extended gratitude to Secretary Rubio for the United States’ role in helping to mediate the recent ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India.
Discussing the Middle East situation, the prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the region. Secretary Rubio, in response, expressed Washington’s interest in deepening cooperation with Islamabad to ensure peace across the broader region.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz had welcomed the Iran-Israel ceasefire, describing it as a “positive development” and reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Iranian people.
Chairing a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister reviewed national security developments and received a briefing on the decisions of the National Security Committee. The cabinet expressed satisfaction over the de-escalation between Iran and Israel, and unanimously passed a resolution commending the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz and the Field Marshal for their efforts to ease regional tensions.
Addressing the meeting, the prime minister said that Iran had exercised its right to self-defence and lauded the bravery and resilience of the Iranian nation.
