​President Asif Ali Zardari tasked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday to remain proactively engaged with the United States and Iran to ensure the sustainability of the ongoing peace process between them.

Pakistan took centre stage when it brokered a 14-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran, followed by high-stakes talks in Islamabad attended by senior delegations from the two countries. Although the talks did not yield the desired results, the ceasefire remains intact, and speculation about a second round of negotiations continues to grow.

Sindh targets 50% cut in out-of-school children by 2030

A statement issued by the Pakistan People’s Party today said a meeting was held between the president and the prime minister at Aiwan-e-Sadr today, with Deputy PM Dar in attendance as well.

“​President Zardari said that the prime minister and the deputy prime minister should remain proactively engaged with the United States and Iran, as well as major regional and global powers, to ensure the sustainability of the peace process and regional harmony,” the statement said.

It added that President Zardari appreciated the “untiring efforts” by Pakistan’s leadership in hosting the dialogue between the US and Iran.

The president discussed the prevailing security and diplomatic situation in the region, saying that the situation had a far-reaching impact not only on the region but also on global security, economy and politics at large.

Intense heatwave to hit Punjab

PM Shehbaz took the president into confidence on all aspects of the dialogue and provided a detailed briefing on its various stages and the progress achieved through Pakistan’s mediation. He also apprised the president of his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia and Türkiye for further engagement to promote the peace efforts.

“​President Zardari praised the prime minister, the deputy prime minister/foreign minister, the chief of defence forces and all state institutions for their untiring efforts in making this diplomatic initiative a great success. He noted that the seamless coordination between all stakeholders was instrumental in facilitating this high-level engagement.

“​The president highlighted the historic role Pakistan has played in promoting global peace and regional stability. He remarked that by providing a platform for such a critical dialogue, Pakistan has reaffirmed its position as a responsible and pivotal state in the international community and proved its peace-making credentials to the world once more,” the statement said.

Separately, PM Shehbaz also held a meeting with Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi, during which key national and regional matters were discussed.

Governor Hashmi commended the prime minister for his efforts in promoting a ceasefire between the US and Iran, as well as for his continued commitment to fostering regional peace.

He also conveyed his best wishes to the prime minister for his leadership in navigating “sensitive diplomatic challenges”.

The discussion also included an overview of administrative and governance matters in Sindh, with the governor briefing the prime minister on ongoing provincial developments and issues.