At Pakistan’s request, Trump extends ceasefire; PM Shehbaz hails move; eyes peace deal

ISLAMABAD, 23 April (BelTA - APP) - At the request of Pakistan’s leadership, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced an extension of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, until Iranian officials submit a unified proposal and discussions were concluded on the matter.

“Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal,” President Trump announced on his Truth Social account.

He said that he had directed his military to continue the blockade and remain ready and able, and would “therefore extend the ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other.”

Trump’s announcement comes as the ceasefire between the US and Iran was set to expire on 4:50 am PST on Wednesday which was announced on April 8, on Prime Minister Shehbaz’s request, who had also requested Iran to open Strait of Hormuz for a corresponding period – hours before Trump’s deadline for bombing on Iranian infrastructure and threatening to ending “a whole civilisation.”

Following the Trump’s announcement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took to his X timeline to express his appreciation for the decision.  “On my personal behalf and on behalf of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, I sincerely thank President Trump for graciously accepting our request to extend the ceasefire to allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to take their course,” he wrote.

He said that with the trust and confidence reposed in it, Pakistan would continue its earnest efforts for negotiated settlement of conflict.

He expressed the hope that both sides would continue to observe the ceasefire and be able to conclude a comprehensive ‘Peace Deal’ during the second round of talks scheduled at Islamabad for a permanent end to the conflict.

On Tuesday, Pakistan had requested both the countries to extend the ceasefire and announced that Iran’s official response to participate the second round of Islamabad Talks was awaited.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in a meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker, stressed the need for engagement between the United States and Iran, urging both sides to consider extending the ceasefire, and to give dialogue and diplomacy a chance.

He underscored Pakistan’s consistent emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable means to address challenges and achieve lasting regional peace and stability.

Later, Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar, on his X account, said, ” Formal response from Iranian side about confirmation of delegation to attend Islamabad Peace Talks is still awaited. Pakistan as the mediator is in constant touch with Iranians and pursuing the path of diplomacy and dialogue.”

Calling the Iran’s decision to attend the talks before the end of two weeks ceasefire “critical”, he said that Pakistan had made sincere efforts to convince the Iranian leadership to participate in the second round of talks and these efforts continue.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei had told Iran’s state TV there has been “no final decision” on whether to agree to more talks because of “unacceptable actions” by the U.S., apparently referencing its recent blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.