Pakistan To Host Geneva Signing of Historic US-Iran Peace Accord on June 19: PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced that the signing ceremony of a landmark US-Iran peace agreement aimed at ending a war that began more than three months ago will be held in Geneva on June 19, with Pakistan serving as the host.

Addressing the National Assembly, the prime minister said the agreement marked a historic breakthrough in international diplomacy and would bring an immediate and permanent end to military hostilities.

“The ceremony for the signing of this historic agreement will be held on Friday, June 19, in Geneva, and, by the grace of God, it will be hosted by Pakistan,” he told lawmakers.

Under the agreement, the United States and Iran have agreed on a framework to end the conflict, lift the US blockade of Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The war began in late February when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran. Throughout the conflict, Pakistan remained actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to facilitate peace and hosted the first round of talks between the two sides in Islamabad in April.

Although the initial direct negotiations ended without a breakthrough, they laid the groundwork for continued dialogue that eventually led to the agreement.
Describing the development as a “historic milestone,” Prime Minister Shehbaz said the world had witnessed the triumph of peace and diplomacy.

“A new dawn has emerged. After three months and 16 days of tireless efforts, the United States and Iran have announced an immediate and permanent cessation of military action, including in Lebanon,” he said.

The prime minister congratulated the people of Pakistan, the international community and members of parliament, describing the agreement as “the success of peace and dialogue rather than merely an agreement between two countries.”

He praised the leadership of both the United States and Iran for demonstrating patience and wisdom throughout the negotiations despite difficult circumstances.

The premier also thanked PML-N President Nawaz Sharif for his guidance, President Asif Ali Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and other political leaders for their support during the peace process.

Paying tribute to regional and international leaders, he acknowledged the role of Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Chinese President Xi Jinping for their cooperation and support.

He also expressed gratitude to the United Kingdom, European Union member states and other friendly countries for their contributions to the diplomatic effort.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said Pakistan had earned global recognition for its role in advancing peace and asserted that the country’s contribution would be remembered in history.

He reserved special praise for Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, whom he credited with playing a crucial role in sustaining the peace initiative.

“Day and night, he worked to extinguish the flames of war and advance the cause of peace,” the prime minister said.

Recalling difficult moments during the negotiations, he said there were occasions when talks appeared close to collapse, but Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts continued.

“Had this process not continued, the dream of peace would have been shattered,” he said, describing Field Marshal Munir’s contribution as unprecedented.

The prime minister concluded by reiterating that the agreement represented a historic achievement for diplomacy and peace, adding that Pakistan’s role in facilitating the process would be remembered for generations to come.