Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has described Pakistan’s role in facilitating US-Iran dialogue as a “shining moment in our history”, saying the evolving political-military coordination has helped improve Pakistan’s international image.

He made these remarks during an interview with The Sunday Times.

“It’s one of the shining moments in our history. Pakistan is acknowledged worldwide as an honest mediator and as a country in which international leadership has full trust and faith. It’s our shining hour, and I feel a very proud Pakistani – as do 240 million Pakistanis,” he was quoted as saying in the interview published on Saturday night.

The prime minister stated that he was “hopeful” of a second round of direct talks between the US and Iran, leading to lasting peace.

“By a stroke of good luck, we have been placed in this prestigious position,” he said.

“Fortunately, Iran trusts Pakistan as does the US administration – and also the Gulf states – and I’m grateful to Presidents Trump and Pezeshkian for accepting our invitation,” he added.

The premier noted that Pakistan’s efforts for peace were ongoing, adding that “peace is never won easily”.

“You have to have patience, sagacity and ability to move things despite the most difficult challenges.

“As we speak, we’re still doing our best to ensure that this peace effort achieves a long-lasting peace through another session here in Islamabad, and we are hopeful that will happen,” he said.

“Our international image has completely changed through this partnership of our political and military hierarchy.”

The prime minister hailed Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, saying: “What we are seeing is team efforts of the political and military leadership. I must acknowledge that the Field Marshal has played a critical role, which will be recorded in history.”

He also lauded the efforts of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who he said had been “engaging his counterparts and making untiring efforts”.