Islamabad, June 18, 2026: President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday warmly welcomed the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (IMoU) between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, describing it as a historic achievement that could pave the way for lasting peace, stability and prosperity in the region.
In a statement, the President said the conflict that erupted in February 2026 had caused immense human suffering across the region and severely disrupted global energy supplies, trade routes and economic stability. He expressed hope that such a tragedy would never be repeated and that regional nations would now focus their efforts on development, economic growth and the welfare of their people.
President Zardari paid tribute to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for their tireless diplomatic efforts, which he said played a significant role in bringing the parties closer to an agreement.
He noted that Pakistan had maintained a principled, balanced and constructive approach throughout the crisis, consistently advocating dialogue, restraint and the peaceful resolution of disputes while engaging with all stakeholders involved.
The President also commended the leadership of US President Donald Trump, Iran’s Supreme Leader His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for choosing diplomacy over confrontation and helping advance the cause of peace.
Acknowledging the broader international support for the peace process, President Zardari appreciated the role of brotherly countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt, as well as the Russian Federation and China, whose encouragement of dialogue and diplomatic engagement contributed to the pursuit of a peaceful settlement.
Calling for the full implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, the President urged all parties to expedite efforts toward reaching a comprehensive final agreement within the agreed timeframe to ensure durable peace and sustained regional progress.
“Heroes are those who have ended the war, not those who are eager to start one,” President Zardari remarked.
Expressing confidence in the future of the peace process, he said the agreement, which bears Islamabad’s imprint as a venue of diplomacy and dialogue, should serve as the foundation for a comprehensive and enduring peace, enabling countries in the region to prioritize economic development, energy cooperation and the well-being of their citizens.
“War brings nothing but destruction and misery. Peace is the only path to progress,” the President said, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to standing in solidarity with regional nations in their collective pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity.
