ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday welcomed the announcement by US President Donald Trump on a pause in Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz at Pakistan’s request. In a post on X, the prime minister expressed gratitude to President Trump for a courageous leadership and a timely decision to de-escalate tensions in the region.
“I am grateful to President Donald Trump for his courageous leadership and timely announcement regarding the pause in Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz,” he wrote.
PM Shehbaz noted that President Trump’s response to requests from Pakistan and other countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and its Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, would contribute positively to regional peace, stability and reconciliation during a sensitive period.
The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at restraint and the peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy. “We are very hopeful that the current momentum will lead to a lasting agreement that secures durable peace and stability for the region and beyond,” he added.
Earlier, President Trump, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, stated that the decision was made following requests from Pakistan and other nations. He cited “tremendous military success” during a campaign against Iran, along with significant progress toward a comprehensive agreement with Iranian representatives.
Trump added that while the blockade would remain in effect, Project Freedom, described as the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, would be paused temporarily to allow time for a potential agreement to be finalised and signed.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said Pakistan had emerged as a key force for peace and stability in the region, crediting the country’s diplomatic efforts for facilitating unprecedented talks between Iran and the United States.
Addressing the 6th International Paigham-e-Islam Conference here, the prime minister said that Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister (DPM/ FM) Ishaq Dar played an excellent role in these negotiations and, beyond that, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (COAS & CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir persuaded the parties to agree to a ceasefire, brought them to the negotiating table and convinced them. He said the Field Marshal made tireless efforts day and night, which are still ongoing, and these efforts will be remembered in golden letters in history.
Shehbaz said he firmly believed that, God willing, these talks will soon turn into lasting peace, peace will be established in the region and no more lives will be lost.He said the gathering at the conference reflected the unity of Muslim Ummah and acknowledged the valuable contributions of religious scholars in promoting harmony.
He revealed that Pakistan successfully persuaded the leadership of Iran and the United States to engage in dialogue for the first time since 1979, with talks held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12. He expressed gratitude to both countries for accepting Pakistan’s invitation and agreeing to a ceasefire. “This reflects the trust the international community places in Pakistan,” he said, adding that the country had delivered a significant service aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the region. “This is the historic trust that the world has placed in Pakistan; there is no similar example in recent history,” he added.
Adviser to the President of Palestine on Religious Affairs and Islamic Relations and the Supreme Judge (Qazi ul Qaza) of Palestine Dr Mahmoud Al-Habbash, Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestine Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Hussein, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy were also present on the occasion.
The prime minister expressed optimism that Pakistan’s continued efforts would lead to sustainable peace in the region. He also paid tribute to Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his key role in maintaining regional peace. He also acknowledged the support of China and Turkey, along with other friendly nations.
He prayed for the success of Pakistan’s efforts in achieving a permanent ceasefire and emphasised the importance of strong ties with Saudi Arabia, noting that bilateral relations had reached new heights, including in defence cooperation. He reiterated that the protection of Harmain Sharifain remained a matter of faith for Pakistan.
Referring to recent challenges, the prime minister said the entire nation remained united, regardless of sectarian differences and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining peace. He urged religious scholars (Ulema) to play a proactive role in fostering unity and cohesion through their sermons, encouraging people to stand together for national stability.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance on Palestine and Kashmir, he said the country would continue supporting their people until they achieve independence. He also condemned elements involved in terrorism and efforts to divide the Muslim Ummah.
The prime minister also distributed shields among renowned personalities in recognition of their prominent services for the Muslim Ummah.
DPM/ FM Dar, speaking on the occasion, underscored Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability, highlighting sustained diplomatic engagement for de-escalation and dialogue in the region and beyond. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled stance on Jammu & Kashmir and Palestine, and emphasised upon the importance of Muslim unity, the central role of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and collective action for the welfare of Ummah.
The DPM/ FM paid tribute to Pakistan’s resilience and national resolve, reflecting on the anniversary of “Marka-e-Haq.”Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) Chairman Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi said Pakistan had consistently raised the issue of Palestine at every international forum and had made sustained efforts over the past two months to promote peace.
Later, addressing the concluding session of the Sixth International Paigham-e-Islam Conference 2026 here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, President Asif Ali Zardari urged religious scholars from across the Muslim world to play a proactive role in promoting unity, countering extremism and projecting Islam’s true message of peace.
The session was attended by former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Senator Saleem Mandviwalla besides ulema, diplomats and delegates from various countries, including Palestine and Saudi Arabia.
The president said the Muslim world was facing multiple challenges, including conflicts, instability and divisions that required collective wisdom and unity to overcome. He observed that recent developments in West Asia had exposed deep fault lines affecting regional stability and economic conditions, while also distorting the global perception of Islam. He stressed that both external misrepresentation and internal sectarianism were contributing to these challenges.
President Zardari emphasised that Islam is a religion of peace, balance and humanity, noting that the sanctity of human life lies at the core of its teachings. He called upon religious scholars to provide practical and intellectual guidance rooted in Islamic principles to promote harmony, tolerance and coexistence.
Referring to Pakistan’s experience, he said the country had made significant sacrifices in the fight against extremism and remained committed to eliminating violence in all forms. He also reiterated Pakistan’s foreign policy stance, highlighting the need for peaceful resolution of disputes in South Asia, including Jammu and Kashmir.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, calling for the establishment of an independent state of Palestine with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. He also stressed the importance of peace in Afghanistan, saying the Afghan soil should not be used for terrorist activities against any country.
He appreciated the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their efforts in promoting unity within the Muslim Ummah and addressing regional challenges. Responding to general queries, the president emphasised the need to nullify misrepresentation of Islam and said with the advent of modern technology understanding Islam and its glorious teachings have become easy to all.
Pakistanis are globally recognised as the nation of religious scholars, doctors and engineers, he said, adding that the entire nation along with Ummah will rise again to glory.
Mufti-e-Azam of Palestine, Muhammad Ahmed Hussein, thanked Pakistan for hosting the conference and reiterated that the Palestine issue remained central to the Muslim Ummah. He appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts and expressed the hope that cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia would help strengthen unity among Muslim countries.
He also acknowledged the role of Saudi leadership in supporting the Palestinian cause and expressed optimism for a peaceful future, praying for the day when such a conference could be held at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki said the Palestine issue held central importance for the Muslim world and emphasised the need for unity during challenging times. He appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to a just resolution of the Palestinian issue in line with the aspirations of its people.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with Muslim countries and promoting ideological unity within the Ummah. He underscored the important role of ulema in guiding society and promoting the true image of Islam globally.
He also paid tribute to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their leadership in ensuring national security, and acknowledged the contributions of past leaders in making Pakistan a strong strategic power.
Adds Saleh Zaafir: Chief of the Defence Fores (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Muneer will make a historic announcement with regard to the country’s defence, its capabilities and its achievements in the sphere of safeguarding motherland on Sunday (May 10), while addressing a grand ceremony here in the federal capital. It would be celebrations of anniversary of Marka-e-Haq where Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jets will display their skill in fly-past. Sources told The News/Jang here Wednesday evening that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will be chief guest on the occasion.
