Islamabad, April 8, 2026: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for a temporary pause in escalating tensions in the Middle East, urging global stakeholders to allow diplomatic efforts to move forward toward a peaceful resolution.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the prime minister said that ongoing diplomatic engagements are progressing “steadily, strongly and powerfully,” and could soon yield meaningful results if given adequate time.
Appealing directly to Donald Trump, PM Shehbaz requested a two-week extension of the current deadline, emphasizing that such a move would create space for negotiations to succeed.
At the same time, Pakistan has urged Iranian authorities to take a reciprocal step by reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz for a similar two-week period as a gesture of goodwill.
The prime minister also called on all parties involved in the conflict to observe a comprehensive ceasefire for two weeks, stating that a temporary halt in hostilities is essential for diplomacy to achieve a “conclusive termination of war.”
“Such measures are in the interest of long-term peace and stability in the region,” he added.
The appeal comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, where fears of broader escalation have raised concerns over global security and economic stability, particularly due to the importance of key energy routes.
