A breakthrough

UNCERTAINTY surrounding the ultimate fate of the peace process is now almost over as mediator Pakistan and the warring parties – the United States and Iran – confirmed finalization of a preliminary agreement to end the war, halt the US blockade of Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Credit surely goes to the Pakistani leadership for successful conclusion of the diplomatic offensive aimed at prevention of hostilities and finding a peaceful solution as the deal remained elusive for weeks in the face of extreme positions adopted by the two sides. It was, indeed, a historic opportunity for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to announce that a peace deal between the United States and Iran has been achieved and that they have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. There are still pitfalls as is evident from the immediate reaction of Israel but sincere implementation of the understanding reached by the US and Iran and the plan to sort out ticklish issues including nuclear programme of Iran within the next sixty days could lay a solid foundation for sustainable peace in the region with attending economic and strategic benefits for the parties as well as countries of the region and beyond. Pakistani leaders especially Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir demonstrated their mediation skill during intensive behind-the-scenes diplomacy and hopefully the sincere efforts of the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, CDF and Foreign Office will take the process to the logical conclusion in weeks to come. It is encouraging to observe a marked reduction in contradictory statements and postures of the two sides as is underlined by the statements released vis-à-vis the preliminary deal. US President Donald Trump said a deal with Iran had been completed and announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, authorizing the immediate removal of a United States naval blockade. The US President also too