Pakistan to host signing ceremony in Geneva, PM tells NA

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday told the National Assembly that the signing ceremony of a landmark US-Iran peace agreement, aimed at formally ending a conflict lasting more than three months, will be held in Geneva on Friday, June 19, and will be hosted by Pakistan.

Addressing the lower house, the prime minister described the development as a “historic milestone” for global diplomacy, saying that after “three months and 16 days of tireless efforts” the US and Iran had agreed to an immediate and permanent cessation of military hostilities, including in Lebanon.

READ ALSO: US, Iran reach peace deal, signing set for Friday, Pakistan says

He said the world was witnessing the emergence of a “new dawn”, adding that the end of the conflict marked a turning point after a period of sustained violence that began in late February.

Sharif said that the agreement reflected the “great victory of peace and dialogue”, adding that “the flames of war have begun to subside” and that historians would record the moment “in golden words”.

He stressed that the accord was not merely a bilateral understanding but a broader diplomatic achievement involving multiple international actors and sustained mediation efforts.

He announced that although the signing ceremony would take place in Geneva, Pakistan would host the event, describing it as a matter of national pride and international recognition of Islamabad’s role in facilitating negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

He congratulated the people of Pakistan, members of parliament, and the global community, saying the country had played a constructive role in advancing peace.

The prime minister said both the US and Iran had demonstrated “patience and wisdom under extremely difficult circumstances” throughout the negotiations.

He praised the leadership on both sides for maintaining engagement despite repeated setbacks and said their commitment had ultimately made the agreement possible.

The prime minister expressed gratitude to several regional and global leaders for their contributions to the peace process.

He acknowledged the “positive role” of Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the cooperation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the leadership of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

He also thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping, as well as the UK, European Union member states and other friendly countries for supporting diplomatic efforts.

He said Pakistan’s involvement in the process had earned the country rare international recognition, adding that the country had sought for decades the “respect and honour” now being associated with its role in facilitating peace.

The prime minister also used his address to thank key political and military leadership at home for their support.

He paid tribute to PML-N president and former premier Nawaz Sharif, saying his guidance remained consistently available throughout the negotiations.

He also acknowledged President Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan People’s Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and other political leaders for their cooperation during a sensitive diplomatic period.

Sharif further commended Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, crediting him with playing a central role in advancing and sustaining the peace process.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was also praised for maintaining engagement with Iranian counterparts, alongside officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Particular praise was reserved for Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, whom the prime minister described as a “great son of the soil”.

He said Gen Munir had worked “day and night to extinguish the flames of war and restore peace”, and had remained continuously engaged even at moments when negotiations appeared on the verge of collapse.

“There were many moments during the process when it seemed that talks would break down,” Sharif said, “but Field Marshal Munir did not give up, and because of his perseverance the agreement was ultimately announced.”

He also congratulated US President Donald Trump, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and members of both negotiating teams, praising their “wisdom, prudence and patience” in reaching the agreement.

He said the economic gains from the peace deal would be used to provide relief to the masses, adding that federal and provincial governments would continue working until their responsibilities were fulfilled.

Speaking in the House, Defence Minister Khawaja Asifechoed the prime minister’s remarks, describing the development as a “historic moment” and praising the leadership of Prime Minister Sharif and Field Marshal Munir.

He said Pakistan could have achieved many more milestones over past decades had similar coordination between Rawalpindi and Islamabad existed, and congratulated Iran and the US for choosing dialogue over conflict.

The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Latif Khosa also addressed the House, thanking Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam, who was present in the visitors’ gallery, for Iran’s “steadfast” stance throughout the conflict.

However, he urged caution over the evolving developments, noting that a gap still existed “between the lip and the cup” ahead of Friday’s planned signing ceremony.

“We never know whether this will fully materialise, but we hope and expect that it will,” he remarked.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026