Pakistan welcomes US-Iran ceasefire extension, eyes ‘peace deal’

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for accepting Islamabad’s request to extend the ceasefire in the ongoing war with Iran. “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,” Sharif wrote on the US-based social media platform X.

Ceasefire extended for diplomatic efforts

Sharif’s remarks came after Trump announced on Tuesday that Washington would extend its ceasefire with Iran to allow Tehran time to prepare a “unified proposal,” following a request from Pakistani officials. Sharif reaffirmed that Pakistan “shall continue its earnest efforts for a negotiated settlement of the conflict.”

Hopes for permanent end to conflict

“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,” Sharif added. The second round of US-Iran talks is expected to take place in Pakistan’s capital as mediation efforts continue to end hostilities that began on February 28.