ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his gratitude towards US President Donald Trump for agreeing to extend the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, allowing diplomatic efforts to continue.
In a tweet on his official account, the Prime Minister conveyed heartfelt thanks on behalf of himself and Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
On my personal behalf and on behalf of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, I sincerely thank President Trump for graciously accepting our request to extend the ceasefire to allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to take their course.
With the trust and confidence reposed in, Pakistan…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 21, 2026
“On my personal behalf and on behalf of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, I sincerely thank President Trump for graciously accepting our request to extend the ceasefire to allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to take their course,” PM Shehbaz Sharif wrote.
The Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan’s central role in facilitating dialogue and reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to a negotiated settlement of the ongoing conflict. He expressed hope that both the U.S. and Iran would continue to observe the ceasefire, which could pave the way for a comprehensive peace deal.
Sharif’s statement follows a period of high tension in the region, where the US and Iran have been engaged in intense negotiations. Pakistan’s leadership, notably Field Marshal Asim Munir, played a pivotal role in persuading President Trump to extend the ceasefire, enabling more time for peaceful negotiations to take shape.
“We shall continue our earnest efforts for a negotiated settlement of the conflict,” the Prime Minister stated, signalling Pakistan’s continued diplomatic engagement. He further expressed optimism for a positive outcome in the second round of talks which is scheduled to take place in Islamabad.
“With the trust and confidence reposed in, Pakistan shall continue its earnest efforts for a negotiated settlement of the conflict,” he added, underlining the nation’s steadfast support for peace.
The second round of talks is set to be held in Islamabad, and both sides are expected to discuss terms for a permanent resolution to the conflict. PM Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks reflect Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability and its efforts to mediate a long-term peace deal between the US and Iran.
President Trump announces extension of ceasefire with Iran
Earlier, US President Donald J. Trump has confirmed the extension of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, citing the ongoing political instability within Iran’s government. This decision follows a request from Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, who asked for a delay in any military action until Iran’s leadership is able to present a unified proposal for negotiations.
In a statement issued on social media platform Truth Social, President Trump emphasized that, despite maintaining a military blockade around Iran, the U.S. will hold off on further offensive actions while Tehran’s political representatives work toward a unified position. “I have directed our military to continue the blockade and remain ready for action, but in the meantime, we will extend the ceasefire until such time as Iran’s leaders can submit their proposal and conclude discussions,” said President Trump.
The announcement comes amid significant fractures within the Iranian government, with various factions unable to reach a consensus on how to proceed with negotiations. This internal division has raised concerns about the stability of Iran’s leadership, further complicating efforts to reach a lasting peace agreement.
President Trump made it clear that the US military is prepared to respond swiftly once a clear and unified proposal from Iran is presented. The extension of the ceasefire is seen as a diplomatic move to allow time for these internal discussions to unfold, but the president reiterated that this window of peace would not remain open indefinitely.
The involvement of Pakistan, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir urging the delay in military action, reflects Islamabad’s central role in regional diplomacy. Pakistan has long been a key player in facilitating dialogue between Tehran and Washington, and this latest development underscores its efforts to prevent further escalation in the region.
