DEESCALATION in the US-Iran conflict, though temporary and fragile in nature at the moment, brought about by Pakistan, has given the country a whole new identity — a peacemaker and honest mediator.
This great service to the cause of humanity is also a moment of national pride and like the May war with India, the role played by Pakistan to defuse the crisis has also infused a new spirit among all segments of the society, which will go a long way in promoting national unity and solidarity. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has rightly hailed Pakistan’s role in securing the temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran that halted over a month of fighting as a “shining moment” in the country’s history.
As pointed out by Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, the historic diplomatic success was also achieved due to the harmony and best-ever coordination between the civil and military leadership of the country. The sound approach of the leadership was also acknowledged by parliamentary leaders across the political divide in the National Assembly, who offered unconditional support for Pakistan’s efforts to ensure regional peace. They commended professionalism and dedication of Pakistan’s diplomatic team that worked hard to take the process to fruition in a highly complex and sensitive environment. While expressing joy over this diplomatic feat, Leader of the Opposition Mahmood Khan Achakzai emphasized that it was a divine opportunity which should be utilized for betterment of the people and safety of the national interests in future. As a goodwill gesture, the opposition decided to postpone its scheduled protest meeting at Liaquat Bagh in view of the fact that the country was hosting crucial peace talks aimed at securing a permanent ceasefire and a broader agreement between the United States and Iran. All this shows Pakistan has immense potential to achieve its rightful place in the comity of nations but internal weaknesses are impeding progress towards this end, which can be tackled if similar sagacity is displayed on the internal front by all sides.
