By Khawaja Hamza
ISLAMABAD, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday expressed confidence that Pakistan and Iran would enter a new era of prosperity, economic cooperation and stronger bilateral relations following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States.
Addressing the National Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan had earned global recognition for its role in facilitating the peace agreement, calling it a moment of pride for the nation.
“Pakistan is being acknowledged around the world for helping bring about this peace deal,” the prime minister said, adding that the achievement reflected the country’s growing diplomatic stature.
The prime minister thanked Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for playing a key role in efforts to establish peace in the region. He also acknowledged the contributions of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi.
He also called on opposition parties to join the government in projecting a message of national unity, saying the success belonged to the entire nation.
The prime minister informed that yesterday, he received a telephone call from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who thanked Pakistan and its people for supporting Iran during a difficult period.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said he invited the Iranian president to visit Pakistan and told him that the entire nation will warmly welcome him upon his arrival in Pakistan. He added that Pezeshkian also invited him to participate in the funeral prayers of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He assured that a Pakistani delegation would attend the funeral.
PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed hope that the ceasefire and peace efforts would improve economic conditions in both countries. He noted that international oil prices had declined significantly following the ceasefire.
He said the government had previously spent Rs128 billion to control the impact of rising fuel prices and inflation triggered by regional tensions. He announced that the government would unveil new petroleum prices later in the day, including a significant reduction in fuel rates.
The prime minister thanked provincial governments for their cooperation in managing economic challenges and acknowledged the roles played by Iran, the United States, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and China in supporting the peace initiative.
He described the diplomatic achievement as a historic moment for Pakistan and expressed gratitude for the international respect the country had received.
