Islamabad / Antalya (Web Desk): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon, describing it as a meaningful development that could help ease tensions and bring a sense of calm back to the region.
In a statement, President Zardari underlined that Pakistan places strong emphasis on peace and stability in the region, adding that enduring peace can only be achieved through dialogue, respect for the sovereignty of states, and strict compliance with international law.
He said the ceasefire offers a valuable chance to move towards a more durable and comprehensive peace process.
Reiterating Pakistan’s consistent stance in support of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the president noted that Pakistan continues to engage with regional and international actors in efforts to reduce tensions, particularly between the United States (US) and Iran.
He said Islamabad understands that sustainable peace in West Asia is closely linked to addressing the wider and underlying causes of conflict.
President Zardari further stated that Pakistan will keep backing all genuine and constructive efforts aimed at de-escalation and the establishment of a fair, lasting, and broad-based peace across the region.
At the same time, the president warned that the current progress toward lowering tensions remains delicate.
He pointed out that the broader understanding behind the ongoing two-week pause in hostilities between the US and Iran had included expectations of restraint extending to Lebanon as well, which he said was later breached by Israel.
He warned that any deviation from this spirit of restraint could further intensify tensions.
Stressing the need for prudence, President Zardari called on all parties to act responsibly at this critical stage to prevent the situation from worsening.
PM Shehbaz, welcoming the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Lebanon, voiced optimism that the development would contribute to enduring peace in the region.
Taking to social media handle X, he stated that "Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon, and will continue to support all efforts aimed at lasting peace in the region."
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic involvement, appreciating Islamabad’s role in mediating tensions and helping bring about a ceasefire linked to the wider conflict involving Iran, United States and Israel.
He remarked that "Tehran seeks lasting peace and stability in the region while pursuing the Iranian nation’s rights within the framework of international law", as reported by Tasnim News Agency.
During a meeting held in Tehran on Thursday with Chief of Defence Forces, (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Iranian president commended both the military leadership and PM Shehbaz for their efforts in mediation and for helping facilitate the ceasefire, according to Tasnim.
Iran also expressed support for the truce in Lebanon, underscoring the necessity of a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanese areas, the release of detainees, and the safe return of displaced individuals to their homes.
Data from UNICEF indicates that more than one million people have been forced to flee their homes in Lebanon since early March, following intensified Israeli military actions after strikes on Iran.
As the ceasefire came into force at midnight on Thursday, people in parts of Beirut took to the streets in celebration, with witnesses reporting that rockets were fired in jubilation for a short period as the truce began.