Pakistan welcomes extension of US-Iran ceasefire, eyes ‘peace deal’ in upcoming talks

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday thanked US President Donald Trump for accepting Islamabad's request to extend the ceasefire in the war with Iran.

"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," Sharif said on the US social media company X’s platform.

His remarks came after Trump said Tuesday that Washington would extend its ceasefire with Iran to allow time for Tehran to prepare a "unified proposal" following a request by Pakistani officials.

Sharif said Pakistan "shall continue its earnest efforts for negotiated settlement of conflict."

"I sincerely hope that both sides will continue to observe the ceasefire and be able to conclude a comprehensive ‘Peace Deal’ during the second round of talks scheduled at Islamabad for a permanent end to the conflict," he added.