File photo: US President Donald Trump with Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday thanked US President Donald Trump for extending the ceasefire in the ongoing Iran conflict, expressing hope that the move would create space for a lasting peace agreement.In a post on X, Sharif said, “On my personal behalf and on behalf of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, I sincerely thank President Trump for graciously accepting our request to extend the ceasefire to allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to take their course.”He added that Pakistan would continue facilitating dialogue, stating, “With the trust and confidence reposed in, Pakistan shall continue its earnest efforts for negotiated settlement of conflict.”
Hope for breakthrough in Islamabad talks
Sharif also expressed optimism about the next round of negotiations expected in Islamabad. “I sincerely hope that both sides will continue to observe the ceasefire and be able to conclude a comprehensive ‘Peace Deal’ during the second round of talks scheduled at Islamabad for a permanent end to the conflict,” he said.The development comes as Trump confirmed the extension of the fragile truce, which was nearing its deadline. The US president said the ceasefire would remain in place until Iran submits a “unified proposal” and discussions are concluded.
Uncertainty persists despite ceasefire extension
Despite the extension, uncertainty continues to cloud the talks. Iran has not formally confirmed its participation and has indicated it will only engage if negotiations promise meaningful outcomes.Meanwhile, the United States has maintained its naval blockade of Iranian ports, a move Tehran has termed a violation of the ceasefire.Global leaders have cautiously welcomed the extension. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called it “an important step toward de-escalation,” urging all sides to build on the opportunity for dialogue.The conflict has already taken a heavy toll. According to news agency AP, more than 3,300 people have been killed in Iran and over 2,200 in Lebanon, alongside casualties in Israel and Gulf countries since the war began.Pakistan has been playing a key mediating role, with Sharif, army chief Asim Munir and other senior officials actively engaging in diplomatic efforts to bring both sides to the table, even as major sticking points like the US blockade and Iran’s nuclear programme remain unresolved.
