ISLAMABAD— Pakistan on Tuesday called for a two-week ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to allow diplomatic efforts to end the escalating war in the Middle East.Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said diplomatic efforts are “progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully” and could lead to tangible results in the near future.“To allow diplomacy to run its course, I earnestly request President Trump to extend the deadline for two weeks,” he said.Sharif also urged Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for the same period as a goodwill gesture, while calling on all parties to observe a ceasefire.“We also urge all warring parties to observe a ceasefire everywhere for two weeks to allow diplomacy to achieve conclusive termination of war, in the interest of long-term peace and stability in the region,” he added.At the United Nations, Pakistan echoed the call for de-escalation, seeking “time and space” for diplomacy following a Security Council vote on a draft resolution addressing the Strait of Hormuz.“We continue to believe that time and space must be allowed for ongoing diplomatic efforts to facilitate a return to dialogue and engagement,” Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar, said.The Security Council failed to adopt the draft resolution, submitted by Bahrain, after Russia and China vetoed the proposal, despite receiving 11 votes in favor. Colombia and Pakistan abstained.The draft had called for coordinated “defensive” measures to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.Iftikhar said Pakistan remains engaged in facilitating indirect talks between the United States and Iran and reaffirmed Islamabad’s “continued” and “unwavering” support and “complete solidarity” with Bahrain and other Gulf countries.He stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of ships and crews and restoring normal maritime traffic through the strategic waterway.“If the military escalation and disruptions persist, the suffering will extend far beyond the region, translating into widespread economic hardship,” he warned.“At this critical juncture, restraint, diplomacy and dialogue must prevail.”Pakistan, he added, will continue to play a constructive role in promoting dialogue and supporting efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in the region.ISLAMABAD— Pakistan on Tuesday called for a two-week ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to allow diplomatic efforts to end the escalating war in the Middle East.Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said diplomatic efforts are “progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully” and could lead to tangible results in the near future.“To allow diplomacy to run its course, I earnestly request President Trump to extend the deadline for two weeks,” he said.Sharif also urged Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for the same period as a goodwill gesture, while calling on all parties to observe a ceasefire.“We also urge all warring parties to observe a ceasefire everywhere for two weeks to allow diplomacy to achieve conclusive termination of war, in the interest of long-term peace and stability in the region,” he added.At the United Nations, Pakistan echoed the call for de-escalation, seeking “time and space” for diplomacy following a Security Council vote on a draft resolution addressing the Strait of Hormuz.“We continue to believe that time and space must be allowed for ongoing diplomatic efforts to facilitate a return to dialogue and engagement,” Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar, said.The Security Council failed to adopt the draft resolution, submitted by Bahrain, after Russia and China vetoed the proposal, despite receiving 11 votes in favor. Colombia and Pakistan abstained.The draft had called for coordinated “defensive” measures to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.Iftikhar said Pakistan remains engaged in facilitating indirect talks between the United States and Iran and reaffirmed Islamabad’s “continued” and “unwavering” support and “complete solidarity” with Bahrain and other Gulf countries.He stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of ships and crews and restoring normal maritime traffic through the strategic waterway.“If the military escalation and disruptions persist, the suffering will extend far beyond the region, translating into widespread economic hardship,” he warned.“At this critical juncture, restraint, diplomacy and dialogue must prevail.”Pakistan, he added, will continue to play a constructive role in promoting dialogue and supporting efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in the region.
