Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said Pakistan will host the signing ceremony of a peace deal between the U.S. and Iran in Geneva, as he declared the agreement an “historic” achievement.
“The ceremony of this historic agreement will be held on Friday, June 19, in Geneva, and by the grace of God, it will be hosted by Pakistan,” he said on the floor of the National Assembly hours after announcing it in a post on X.
After “three months and 16 days of tireless efforts, the U.S. and Iran announced an immediate and permanent end to military action, including in Lebanon,” he said, as he congratulated the people of Pakistan, the international community and the members of the House.
Sharif also thanked his elder brother and PMLN chief Nawaz Sharif, “whose guidance was always available to me.” He similarly thanked President Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and other party heads. “This is not an agreement between two countries, but it is the success of peace and dialogue—a diplomatic success,” he said, emphasizing that the leaders of both Iran and the U.S. had displayed patience and sense under difficult circumstances throughout the negotiation process.
“As a result, the entire world has come to witness this great day,” he said.
During his address, the premier also appreciated the leaderships of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye for their role in helping secure the agreement. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping for his cooperation. “I am also thankful to other countries of the world, including the U.K., E.U. member states and other friendly countries, on this historic moment,” he said.
Sharif remarked that nations had strived for decades to achieve the “respect and honor” that had come Pakistan’s way for its efforts in the peace process. Reiterating that a “historic milestone” had been achieved with the agreement, he maintained Pakistan’s name would be written in “golden letters” in history for its efforts.
The prime minister also lauded “great son of the soil” Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, saying he had “sacrificed day and night to extinguish the flames of war and worked towards restoration of peace.” He recalled that there were many moments during the negotiation process when it felt as if the process would collapse, but stressed the field marshal had not waivered and continued strenuous efforts, resulting in the finalization of the peace deal.
“If this journey had not continued, the dream of peace would have been shattered,” he said, reiterating the “unprecedented role” of CDF Munir in achieving the deal.
Sharif also thanked Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, saying his efforts had ensured the success of the peace process. He similarly commended Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, saying he had “played a very important role and engaged with Iranian brothers,” and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their efforts.