Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that while the signing ceremony of an agreement reached between the US and Iran — aimed at ending a war that began three months ago — would be held in Geneva, it would be hosted by Pakistan. “The [signing] 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 while addressing a National Assembly session after he announced the agreement past midnight on Monday. Under the agreement, the US and Iran have agreed on a framework to end the war, halt the US blockade of Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The war began in late February, with the US and Israel launching strikes on Iran. Throughout the conflict, Pakistan has remained actively involved in mediating for peace and also hosted the first round of talks between the two sides in Islamabad in April. The historic direct US-Iran talks had ended without an agreement, but also without a breakdown . This was after Pakistan brokered a ceasefire between the two sides, which has remained fragile but in place. Days later, PM Shehbaz announced on X that the two sides had reached a “peace deal” after intensive talks. “Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” he said. Addressing the NA today, PM Shehbaz said that today, the world had achieved a “historic milestone” of peace. The premier said that a new dawn had emerged as “after three months and 16 days of tireless efforts, the US and Iran announced an immediate and permanent end to military action, including in Lebanon”. The signing ceremony of this historic agreement will be held on Friday, June 19, in Geneva, PM Shehbaz said, adding that Pakistan will be “hosting” the ceremony. He congratulated the people of Pakistan, the international community and the members of the House. He further thanked PML-N Supremo Nawaz Sharif “whose guidance was always available to me”. The premier also thanked President Asif Ali Zardari and 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,” the PM remarked, commending the top leadership of both countries. He said that throughout the negotiation process, the leadership from both the US and Iran displayed patience and sense under difficult circumstances. “As a result, the entire world has come to witness this great day,” he remarked. In his address, the prime minister paid tribute to Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani for his “positive role” in the peace process, as well as the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Turkiye’s President Tayyip Erdogan for their “leadership and cooperation”. At this, PM Shehbaz also expressed gratitude to the Chinese President Xi Jinping for his cooperation. “I am also thankful to other countries of the world, including the UK, EU member states and other friendly countries, on this historic moment,” he said. More to follow
PM Shehbaz says Pakistan to host signing ceremony of US-Iran agreement in Geneva
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that while the signing ceremony of an agreement reached between the US and Iran — aimed at ending a war that began three months ago — would be held in Geneva, it would be hosted by Pakistan. “The [signing] 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 while addressing a National Assembly session after he announced the agreement past midnight on Monday. Under the agreement, the US and Iran have agreed on a framework to end the war, halt the US blockade of Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The war began in late February, with the US and Israel launching strikes on Iran. Throughout the conflict, Pakistan has remained actively involved in mediating for peace and also hosted the first round of talks between the two sides in Islamabad in April. The historic direct US-Iran talks had ended without an agreement, but also without a breakdown . This was after Pakistan brokered a ceasefire between the two sides, which has remained fragile but in place. Days later, PM Shehbaz announced on X that the two sides had reached a “peace deal” after intensive talks. “Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” he said. Addressing the NA today, PM Shehbaz said that today, the world had achieved a “historic milestone” of peace. The premier said that a new dawn had emerged as “after three months and 16 days of tireless efforts, the US and Iran announced an immediate and permanent end to military action, including in Lebanon”. The signing ceremony of this historic agreement will be held on Friday, June 19, in Geneva, PM Shehbaz said, adding that Pakistan will be “hosting” the ceremony. He congratulated the people of Pakistan, the international community and the members of the House. He further thanked PML-N Supremo Nawaz Sharif “whose guidance was always available to me”. The premier also thanked President Asif Ali Zardari and 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,” the PM remarked, commending the top leadership of both countries. He said that throughout the negotiation process, the leadership from both the US and Iran displayed patience and sense under difficult circumstances. “As a result, the entire world has come to witness this great day,” he remarked. In his address, the prime minister paid tribute to Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani for his “positive role” in the peace process, as well as the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Turkiye’s President Tayyip Erdogan for their “leadership and cooperation”. At this, PM Shehbaz also expressed gratitude to the Chinese President Xi Jinping for his cooperation. “I am also thankful to other countries of the world, including the UK, EU member states and other friendly countries, on this historic moment,” he said. More to follow