ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said Pakistan had emerged as a key force for peace and stability in the region, crediting the country’s diplomatic efforts for facilitating unprecedented talks between Iran and the United States.

Addressing the 6th International Paigham-e-Islam Conference here, the prime minister said the gathering at the conference reflected the unity of the Muslim Ummah and acknowledged the valuable contributions of religious scholars in promoting harmony.

He revealed that Pakistan successfully persuaded the leadership of Iran and the United States to engage in dialogue for the first time since 1979, with talks held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12. He expressed gratitude to both countries for accepting Pakistan’s invitation and agreeing to a ceasefire.

“This reflects the trust the international community places in Pakistan,” he said, adding that the country had delivered a significant service aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the region.

Advisor to the President of Palestine on Religious Affairs and Islamic Relations and the Supreme Judge (Qazi ul Qaza) of Palestine Dr. Mahmoud Al-Habbash, Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestine Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Hussein, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmon Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, and Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy were also present on the occasion.

The prime minister expressed optimism that Pakistan’s continued efforts would lead to sustainable peace in the region.

He also paid tribute to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his key role in maintaining regional peace. He also acknowledged the support of China and Turkey, along with other friendly nations.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their efforts in bringing both sides to the negotiating table.

He prayed for the success of Pakistan’s efforts in achieving a permanent ceasefire and emphasized the importance of strong ties with Saudi Arabia, noting that bilateral relations had reached new heights, including in defense cooperation. He reiterated that the protection of Harmain Sharifain remained a matter of faith for Pakistan.

Referring to recent challenges, the prime minister said the entire nation remained united, regardless of sectarian differences, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining peace.

He urged religious scholars (Ulema) to play a proactive role in fostering unity and cohesion through their sermons, encouraging people to stand together for national stability.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance on Palestine and Kashmir, he said the country would continue supporting their people until they achieve independence. He also condemned elements involved in terrorism and efforts to divide the Muslim Ummah.

The prime minister also distributed shields among renowned personalities in recognition of their prominent services for the Muslim Ummah.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, speaking on the occasion underscored Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability, highlighting sustained diplomatic engagement for de-escalation and dialogue in the region and beyond.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled stance on Jammu & Kashmir and Palestine, and emphasized upon the importance of Muslim unity, the central role of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and collective action for the welfare of the Ummah. He also highlighted Pakistan’s leadership in combating Islamophobia globally and promoting interfaith harmony.

DPM/FM paid tribute to Pakistan’s resilience and national resolve, reflecting on the anniversary of “Marka-e-Haq.”

He emphasized that, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, peace, progress, and prosperity remained central to Pakistan’s national vision.

Chairman, Pakistan Ulema Council, Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi said Pakistan had consistently raised the issue of Palestine at every international forum and had made sustained efforts over the past two months to promote peace.

He reiterated that Pakistan’s commitment to the Palestinian cause remained unwavering.

Meanwhile, the conference awarded the titles of “Leader of Peace” and “Greatest Victorious General of the Century” to Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, in recognition of his role in promoting peace and strengthening stability across the Muslim Ummah.

The conference strongly condemned the attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel. The conference also expressed concern over the strikes targeting Arab countries, terming them detrimental to regional stability.

It called for national security, unity of the Muslim world, and enhanced interfaith harmony.

In addition to the CDF, prominent national and international figures were conferred global honours at the conference in recognition of their contributions to peace, stability and unity in the Muslim world.

PM Shehbaz was presented a shield of appreciation for his firm and unequivocal stance on key international issues, particularly Palestine.

Additionally, Prime Minister and Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman – who has been named “Global Personality of 2025” – was honoured with a special award for contributions to defence cooperation with Pakistan, fostering unity in the Muslim world, and promoting peace at the regional and global levels.

The conference also condemned the killing of a prominent religious scholar, Maulana Muhammad Idrees Tarangzai. It stated that acts of violence, extortion, and lawlessness have no connection with Islam or Shariah, and expressed solidarity with state institutions in maintaining law and order.

The conference also noted that efforts should be made to strengthen coordination among religious scholars across Pakistan and other Muslim countries.

It was announced that the Seventh International Paigham-i-Islam Conference will be held next year in March 2027, with invitations to be extended to global religious leaders, including the imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Grand Mufti of Palestine, the sheikh of Al-Azhar, and the Pope, in a bid to promote inter-sect and interfaith harmony.

It was also announced that similar conferences will be held under the aegis of the International Tazeem-i-Haramain Sharifain Council in different parts of the world.