Pakistan Emerges as the Beacon of Peace in a Turbulent World Crisis

In an era where superpowers are in conflict and regional tensions are creating instability in the world, one country that has stood firm in its commitment to diplomacy over destruction is Pakistan. The recent praise by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian of Pakistan’s role in mediating the conflict between the US and Israeli aggression against Iran is a significant recognition of Pakistan’s role in creating peace in the world.

During an important phone call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its proactive role in mediation to end the war. This is an important phone call that reflects the trust that key actors have in Pakistan’s unbiased and constructive role. This phone call is set against the backdrop of foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey meeting in Islamabad for crucial meetings aimed at de-escalating the Middle East war.

Pakistan’s diplomatic initiative is simply phenomenal. As a responsible middle power with a strong presence on both sides of the divide, enjoying cordial relations with both Iran and the West, Islamabad has taken the initiative where others are reluctant to take a step. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his team, including his deputy and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, have carried out a series of shuttle diplomacy, establishing a dialogue, and creating space for a conflict that may escalate into chaos. The fact that the Iranian leadership appreciates this initiative of Pakistan speaks volumes for Islamabad.

What makes Pakistan’s role even more extraordinary is the level of dependence from all quarters on its good offices. The United States, in search of ways to stabilize the region and ensure the smooth flow of energy resources; Iran, in search of de-escalation of tensions; and the Middle Eastern countries, from the Gulf to the Levant, are all turning to Pakistan to broker understanding and prevent further bloodshed in the region. Pakistan is convening four-nation talks involving Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey, and is presenting itself as the honest broker that can facilitate indirect talks and other measures of confidence-building between adversaries. It is in an age when the great powers of the world are busy creating divisions in the international system that Pakistan is showing that principled diplomacy based on Islamic brotherhood, regional stability, and global peace is working.

A prime example of this trust is the Iranian decision to allow safe passage for Pakistani-flagged vessels across the Strait of Hormuz. In the midst of wartime restrictions that have impacted the free flow of international trade across these important shipping lanes, the Iranian government has agreed to allow the safe passage of 20 additional vessels flagged in Pakistan. Two vessels will be allowed to cross daily. This practical step, welcomed by the Pakistani government as a “constructive” and “welcome” step towards peace and an end to conflict, is important not only in alleviating the immediate economic strain but also in demonstrating the Iranian willingness to respond to the mediation efforts of the Pakistani government. The Pakistani role in the conflict is quite literally keeping the important shipping lanes open.

Pakistan is a country that has historical and cultural ties to both Iran and the Arab world, and has historical ties to the United States. It is a country that rolls up its sleeves, unlike all the others that merely issue statements from afar. It hosts meetings in Islamabad, carries out the bidding of others, and stresses the need for trust as a basis for a solution, as President Pezeshkian himself observed.

This is the moment to instill pride in the people of Pakistan. In the face of its own challenges, Pakistan is punching above in the world arena, showing the true meaning of strength through statesmanship and peace building. The world is watching Pakistan lead the way by example. As long as Pakistan continues to follow this wise, balanced, and proactive policy, it remains indispensable to the cause of global peace. Conflicting nations would do well to follow Pakistan’s lead and talk, trust, and humanity above hostility.