ISLAMABAD, Wednesday, April 08, 2026 (WNP): The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, along with leaders of key Western nations and institutions, has welcomed the two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, while explicitly acknowledging Pakistan’s role in facilitating the agreement.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, Spain and Japan, as well as the European Commission and European Council, termed the ceasefire a significant step toward de-escalation and regional stability.
The statement expressed appreciation for Pakistan and other partners involved in facilitating the agreement, highlighting Islamabad’s constructive diplomatic engagement in efforts to end hostilities.
“The goal now must be a lasting end to the war,” the statement said, emphasizing that a sustainable resolution can only be achieved through diplomatic means. The leaders called for swift progress toward a substantive negotiated settlement in the coming days.
They underscored that continued diplomatic efforts are crucial to protecting civilians in Iran and ensuring broader regional security, while also warning that failure to sustain peace could trigger a severe global energy crisis.
The leaders further called on all sides to fully implement the ceasefire, including in Lebanon, and reiterated their commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Reaffirming coordinated international efforts, the statement noted that participating governments remain in close contact with the United States and other partners to support diplomatic engagement and stabilize the situation.
Observers view the acknowledgment of Pakistan’s role by major global powers as a significant diplomatic development, reinforcing Islamabad’s emerging profile as a key contributor to peace and stability in an increasingly volatile region.
