How Pakistan Bolstered Its Diplomatic Image By Brokering A Cease-Fire

(Daud Khattak – RFE/RL) Pakistan appears to have achieved a significant diplomatic breakthrough by playing a proactive role in brokering a 14-day cease-fire and setting the stage for the US-Iran talks in Islamabad on April 10. The last-minute cease-fire, announced by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on X late on April 8, came just hours before the expiration of US President Donald Trump’s deadline warning Iran of consequences that could lead to the destruction of a civilization “never to be brought back again.”. “The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate cease-fire everywhere, including Lebanon and elsewhere, effective immediately,” Sharif posted, tagging senior US administration officials. Referring to his conversation with Sharif and Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, whom he has previously described as his “favorite field marshal,” Trump posted on Truth Social, “I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi also praised Sharif and the army chief for their efforts. – How Pakistan Bolstered Its Diplomatic Image By Brokering A Cease-Fire