Pakistan, a proud nation, has gained worldwide attention for promoting global peace by playing a commendable role in the US-Iran ceasefire. In a world increasingly marked by geopolitical tensions and conflict, efforts towards peace and diplomacy stand out as acts of global significance. Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator in easing tensions between the United States and Iran, two nations whose confrontation threatened regional and global stability.

Amid escalating hostilities, Pakistan undertook a proactive diplomatic role by facilitating communication between the United States and Iran. Through sustained engagement and backchannel negotiations, Pakistan’s leadership, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Hafiz Syed Asim Munir, proposed a ceasefire framework that both sides eventually accepted, leading to a two-week truce.

This ceasefire helped avert imminent military escalation and allowed for the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which is critical for global energy supplies. Pakistan’s efforts have been acknowledged by both sides, with leaders expressing appreciation for its constructive and neutral role in mediation.

The significance of Pakistan’s role goes beyond mediating a temporary ceasefire. The US-Iran conflict had the potential to spiral into a broader regional war, impacting neighbouring countries and destabilising global markets. Pakistan’s timely intervention created space for dialogue and prevented immediate escalation.

Global leaders have welcomed the ceasefire as “a step back from the brink”, underscoring the importance of diplomatic channels in crisis situations. While the ceasefire marks a positive step, it remains fragile. Officials have described it as a “temporary” and delicate arrangement requiring continued diplomacy and trust-building. Pakistan’s role, therefore, is not limited to initiating peace but also involves sustaining momentum towards a long-term resolution.

This development has sparked a compelling argument: Pakistan’s diplomatic intervention may be worthy of recognition at the highest level, including consideration for the Nobel Peace Prize. The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded to individuals or entities that make significant contributions to peace, conflict resolution and international cooperation. Pakistan’s recent actions align with these principles in several ways: it prevented a potentially devastating war, acted as a trusted intermediary for both sides (the USA and Iran), contributed to global stability by helping stabilise energy routes and international markets, and encouraged diplomacy over military action, resulting in the promotion of dialogue. Such contributions reflect the core spirit of the Nobel Peace Prize, rewarding those who actively work to reduce conflict and foster peace. Pakistan’s mediation between the United States and Iran demonstrates the power of diplomacy in resolving even the most complex conflicts.

Recognising such efforts through awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for averting a devastating and all-out war, from the Iranian point of view, would not only honour Pakistan’s contribution but also reinforce the importance of dialogue, cooperation and peaceful conflict resolution in today’s world.

The global community has applauded Pakistan’s role, with leaders from Australia, the UK, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia and other countries welcoming the ceasefire. Delegations from the US and Iran have been invited to Islamabad for further negotiations on 10 April.

Lt Col (Retd) Sayed Ahmad Nadeem QadriThe writer is a researcher and writer on international affairs and the Belt and Road Initiative.

© The Nation