President Asif Ali Zardari has welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon, terming it an important step towards reducing tensions and restoring calm in the region.
The President emphasised that Pakistan attaches high importance to regional stability and believes that sustainable peace can only be achieved through dialogue, mutual respect for sovereignty and adherence to international law. He said the ceasefire presents an opportunity to move towards lasting peace.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s consistent support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon, the President said that Pakistan remains actively engaged with regional and international stakeholders, to ease tensions between the United States and Iran, recognising that lasting peace in West Asia depends on addressing the broader drivers of conflict. He added that Pakistan will continue to support all sincere initiatives that advance de-escalation and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace across the region.
The President cautioned that the current momentum towards de-escalation remains fragile, noting that the broader understanding underpinning the ongoing two-week cessation of hostilities between the United States and Iran envisaged restraint included in Lebanon, which was later violated by Israel. He observed that any deviation from this spirit risks aggravating tensions. He stressed the importance of restraint and responsible conduct by all parties at this crucial juncture.
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