Business Recorder
ISLAMABAD: Lawmakers across the political spectrum in Senate on Wednesday hailed a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran as a “historic victory” for Pakistan’s diplomacy, crediting Islamabad’s behind-the-scenes mediation for defusing a tense global standoff. Speaking in Senate, Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani called the truce “a landmark demonstration of successful diplomacy,” crediting Pakistan’s coordinated leadership with averting a potential regional crisis. He highlighted the role of President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Defence Forces and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, whose relentless engagement, he said, had steered the world away from the brink. Gilani also praised Pakistan’s diplomatic corps for working behind the scenes, often unnoticed, to keep talks alive. “This is a fragile victory,” he warned. “Sustaining it will demand patience, unity, and vigilance from all sides.” He expressed hope that Islamabad’s upcoming negotiations would solidify the ceasefire into long-term peace and stability. Rana Sanaullah, adviser to the prime minister on political affairs, described Pakistan’s role as pivotal in averting wider conflict in the Muslim world. He called for the nation to celebrate the diplomatic triumph while urging opposition parties to channel energy into prayers for economic stability amid rising oil prices. Criticising Israeli strikes on Iranian oil facilities, which had triggered retaliatory moves in Saudi Arabia, he stressed that claims over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz should be independently verified. PPP leader Sherry Rehman said Pakistan had once again proven its ability to take on global responsibility. “The next two weeks are critical. This is Pakistan’s moment,” she said, adding that Islamabad is rapidly emerging as a hub of diplomacy and dialogue. She warned that the peace achieved so far would require continuous effort to make it durable. Other senators, including Pervaiz Rashid (PML-N), Kamran Murtaza (JUI-F), and Manzoor Kakar (BAP), welcomed the ceasefire but urged caution. Rashid noted that while the fear of war had receded, global attention must now turn to development, not conflict. Murtaza and Kakar emphasised that political cohesion and ongoing engagement were essential to cement the fragile truce. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry termed the ceasefire a “shining moment” in Pakistan’s history, highlighting the month-long efforts by the country’s leaders to prevent a potentially devastating conflict. He said Pakistan had been entrusted with facilitating upcoming negotiations and expressed optimism that they could result in a permanent settlement. Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan Nasar praised the unity displayed in the House, with members across party lines presenting a common stance on national interests. Other senators, including Jam Saifullah Khan, Mohammad Humayun Mohmand, Khalida Ateeb, Naseema Ehsan, Zamir Hussain Ghumro, Faisal Javed, Bushra Anjum Butt, AimalWali Khan, Poonjo Bheel, Syed Masroor Ahsan, Afnan Ullah Khan, Tahir Khalil Sandhu, and Zeeshan Khanzada, echoed calls for national unity, restraint, and dialogue, warning that only sustained effort could transform the fragile ceasefire into lasting peace. Lawmakers across the political spectrum expressed hope that Pakistan’s diplomatic triumph would not only enhance its global standing but also contribute to regional stability, economic progress, and a safer future for generations to come. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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