ISLAMABAD: The two-week U.S.-Iran ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan and taking immediate effect Tuesday, has drawn swift international praise for Islamabad’s diplomatic role amid heightened regional volatility.
With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere including Lebanon and elsewhere, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.
I warmly welcome the…— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 7, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the truce on X (formerly Twitter), crediting the “sagacious gesture” of both Washington and Tehran. He invited delegations from both sides to Islamabad on Friday, April 10, for follow-on talks aimed at a “conclusive agreement to settle all disputes.”
The announcement followed last-minute calls by U.S. President Donald Trump to Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to real-time commentary.
🚨🇺🇸🇮🇷 Trump’s last two calls before announcing the ceasefire were to Pakistan’s army chief Munir and Netanyahu.
The man who brokered the peace and the man who pushed for the war.
Both got a phone call in the final hour.
Trump tells AFP:
“Iran’s uranium will be perfectly… https://t.co/rxCZRj4MJB pic.twitter.com/6TDp9HTtHL
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 8, 2026
Influencer Mario Nawfal underscored Pakistan’s bridging role, noting Trump’s outreach before the ceasefire was sealed.
🚨 President Donald J. Trump makes a statement on Iran: pic.twitter.com/9mqTayL0Q3
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 7, 2026
Global Reactions
– Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomed the truce “reached with the mediation of Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, Field Marshal Asim Munir.” He praised the “goodwill and wisdom” of both U.S. and Iranian leadership, expressing hope the pause would bolster global trade and prosperity.
🇰🇿 President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomes the achievement of an agreement on a full ceasefire and truce in the #MiddleEast, reached with the mediation of Prime Minister of #Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) and Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, Field Marshal Asim Munir.
This…
— Press Office of the President of Kazakhstan (@aqorda_press) April 8, 2026
– New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said: “We are grateful for the work of Pakistan, and others such as Türkiye and Egypt, to seek to find a solution to the crisis.” He confirmed Wellington’s support for efforts toward a lasting ceasefire.
New Zealand welcomes the announcements by the United States and Iran over the past few hours – as we welcome all efforts to bring an end to this conflict.
While this is encouraging news, there remains significant important work to be done in the coming days to secure a lasting…
— Winston Peters (@NewZealandMFA) April 8, 2026
– A United Nations spokesperson, on behalf of Secretary-General António Guterres, conveyed “sincere appreciation for the efforts of Pakistan and other countries involved in facilitating the ceasefire.”
.@antonioguterres welcomes the announcement of a two-week ceasefire by the United States and Iran. He expresses sincere appreciation for the efforts of Pakistan and other countries involved in facilitating the ceasefire.
Full statement: https://t.co/5ZsOGcbIj5— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) April 8, 2026
– UK High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott directly thanked Islamabad: “Thank you Pakistan for the quiet, effective, diplomatic role you have played in bringing about this vital ceasefire.”
Thank you Pakistan for the quiet, effective, diplomatic role you have played in bringing about this vital ceasefire. @CMShehbaz @ForeignOfficePk https://t.co/frHAYxtYTS
— Jane Marriott (@JaneMarriottUK) April 8, 2026
– Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, speaking for Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, formally announced the ceasefire agreement, praising Pakistan’s leadership.
Statement on behalf of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran: pic.twitter.com/cEtBNCLnWT
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 7, 2026
Besides these, prominent South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman described the development as “one of Pakistan’s biggest diplomatic wins in years,” noting Islamabad “defied many skeptics” and “helped avert a potential catastrophe in Iran.”
Indian peace and conflict scholar Ashok Swain contrasted the moment with India’s past efforts to isolate Pakistan, posting: “10 years ago, after Uri, Modi had promised to isolate Pakistan internationally!” alongside a screenshot of the ceasefire news.
10 years ago, after Uri, Modi had promised to isolate Pakistan internationally! pic.twitter.com/4jJ5gHVVVs
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) April 7, 2026
Diplomatic community believes the swift endorsements—from the UN, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, the UK, and other world leaders including independent analysts—position Pakistan as a key facilitator in de-escalating a high-stakes confrontation.
The two-week window is framed as an opportunity for structured talks in Islamabad, with both sides committing to an immediate cessation of hostilities, an episode marking a notable diplomatic success for this country, earning recognition for “quiet, effective” backchannel efforts that helped prevent further escalation and opened the door to a possible comprehensive settlement.
