Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif said that the ceasefire between Iran and US was extended because of Pakistan’s efforts.
Addressing a federal cabinet meeting, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan made wholehearted efforts to promote peace in the region, revealing that talks between Iran and United States held in Pakistan lasted nearly 21 hours.
The prime minister described the negotiations as a “marathon session,” adding that Pakistan played a sincere and active role in facilitating dialogue between the two sides. He said the efforts, involving key figures including Field Marshal Asim Munir and FM Ishaq Dar, contributed to the extension of a ceasefire, which remains in place.
Shehbaz Sharif further said that Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Pakistan for the second phase of talks and held important meetings. He added that he had also spoken to Araghchi by phone ahead of his visit to Russia, during which the Iranian minister assured him that discussions in Oman were conducted in good faith and that a positive response would follow after consultations with his leadership.
The prime minister said that the conflict in the Middle East has adversely impacted Pakistan’s economic progress over the past two years. He said rising global oil prices have created an extraordinary situation, significantly increasing the country’s financial burden.
He revealed that Pakistan’s weekly oil import bill, which stood at around $300 million before the conflict, has surged to approximately $800 million due to price hikes in the international market, affecting efforts toward economic stability.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan has repaid $3.5 billion in external debt and expressed gratitude for the support of Saudi Arabia in tackling economic challenges. He added that consultations with provinces are ongoing to continue subsidies in public transport and other sectors.
The remarks came at a tense moment. The Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, raising fears in global oil markets. Talks between Washington and Tehran have also stalled in recent days.
Sources say a proposal, quietly conveyed through Pakistan, aimed to revive dialogue. However, reports suggest Washington is unlikely to accept it, as key disputes remain unresolved. These tensions earlier led to US and Israeli military action in late February.
Marco Rubio has already signalled a tough stance. He said any agreement must strictly prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Trump also claimed the US holds the upper hand, saying Iran could reach out if it wanted talks. Earlier efforts led by JD Vance ended without success.
Meanwhile, Tehran has offered to reopen the vital shipping route if the US lifts sanctions on its ports and ends the conflict, according to the White House.
