Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Pakistan’s efforts to mediate peace between the United States and Iran have significantly enhanced the country’s international reputation. Speaking in the National Assembly, he emphasized that this diplomatic achievement was a result of Pakistan’s genuine and continuous efforts, which could not have been achieved even with substantial financial expenditure.

According to Radio Pakistan, Prime Minister Sharif expressed optimism about ‘The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding’, which he expects to develop into a lasting agreement within two months. He highlighted Pakistan’s pivotal role in facilitating the truce between the two nations, noting the extensive negotiations held in Switzerland that led to a finalized joint statement.

The Prime Minister also mentioned the recent visit of the Iranian President, stating that the relations between Pakistan and Iran have improved over the last three months, with plans for further discussions to strengthen ties. Addressing the opposition’s concerns, he reiterated his commitment to the development of all provinces.

In related news from the National Assembly, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif discussed ongoing negotiations with Independent Power Producers (IPPs). He announced that the government has successfully renegotiated contracts, projecting a savings of approximately 3.5 trillion rupees in future payments. He acknowledged past efforts to negotiate with IPPs, which did not yield successful outcomes.