Islamabad, April 8, 2026: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday lauded the country’s pivotal role in facilitating the US-Iran two-week ceasefire and called on the Muslim world to protect these gains and remain vigilant against threats to regional peace.
Pakistan’s Leadership Praised for Global Diplomacy and Peace Efforts: AMPAK
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Iran and the United States, along with their allies, had agreed to an immediate ceasefire “everywhere, including Lebanon,” effective immediately. He also invited delegations from both nations to Islamabad on April 10 to negotiate a conclusive settlement.
US President Donald Trump endorsed the two-week truce shortly before a self-imposed deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Posting on Truth Social, he described it as “a big day for world peace” and signalled US support for stabilising the region, including ensuring safe passage through the strategic waterway.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Defence Minister Asif said, “May we succeed in establishing peace and reconciliation, but the Muslim Ummah must remain vigilant to protect these gains and stay watchful against threats to peace.” He highlighted Pakistan’s significant role in promoting dialogue between nations on both sides of the Persian Gulf and stressed that Islam advocates for peace and reconciliation.
“As brothers on both sides of the Gulf, we are playing a role in promoting peace,” he added, noting that the ceasefire had elevated Pakistan’s identity and stature on the global stage.
Asif also cautioned against Israel’s expanding global influence, stating, “The Israeli influence has spread across Europe, the United States, and the Arab world, and Pakistan now has a significant opportunity to take on a leadership role in opposing it.” He reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to guide the Muslim world and emphasised that its “true and eternal enemy” remained India in South Asia and Israel in the Gulf.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s achievements, the defence minister said, “In our 75-year history, there has perhaps never been a moment of such joy and pride. Last year, we won a war against our eternal enemy, and Pakistan’s stature on the international stage has grown significantly.” He added that Pakistan was being praised across the world—from European nations to Muslim countries, our region, and allies—and described the moment as “unprecedented in our 78-year history.”
