Peace must prevail

PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s call for all parties in the Middle East conflict to exercise restraint and give peace a little more chance comes at a critical juncture. His appeal follows yet another dangerous exchange of attacks between Iran and Israel, underscoring how fragile regional stability remains and how easily hopes for diplomacy can be undermined by renewed hostilities. Pakistan has consistently advocated dialogue over confrontation and diplomacy over military escalation. Our civilian and military leadership continues to work earnestly, alongside friendly countries and international partners, to help create conditions conducive to a permanent settlement between the United States and Iran. Such efforts are not merely in the interest of the region but of the entire international community, which has already borne the economic and security consequences of instability in the Middle East. Encouragingly, recent statements from the US President Donald Trump regarding the prospects of a negotiated understanding with Iran have generated cautious optimism. These signals suggest that diplomacy remains alive and that a mutually acceptable arrangement is still within reach. The path to peace is undoubtedly difficult, but positive statements from key stakeholders indicate that the objective is neither unrealistic nor unattainable. Yet, whenever Washington and Tehran appear to move closer to a diplomatic breakthrough, developments elsewhere have complicated the process. Escalatory actions by Israel against Lebanon inject fresh uncertainty into already delicate negotiations. Such episodes risk derailing diplomatic momentum and strengthening hardline positions on all sides. For this reason, the United States, given its influence and strategic relationships in the region, has an important role to play in preventing further escalation. Washington should use its good offices to encourage restraint and discourage actions that could jeopardize ongoing diplomatic efforts. As Pr