'Historic step towards peace:' Pakistan to host US-Iran signing ceremony in Geneva on June 19

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif called the US-Iran deal a "historic step towards peace" on Monday following weeks of his government mediating between the warring sides.

Shahbaz announced that Pakistan would host the signing ceremony of the agreement worked out between the US and Iran, aimed at ending the war that began three months ago, in Geneva on June 19.

"The signing ceremony of this historic agreement will be held on Friday, June 19, in Geneva, and by the grace of God, it will be hosted by Pakistan,” he said while speaking in the National Assembly during its ongoing debate on the federal budget.

He had announced after midnight that an agreement between Washington and Tehran had been reached, which will the end that was started on Feb.28 when the US and Israel had attacked Iran.

Throughout the conflict, Pakistan remained actively involved in mediating for peace and also hosted the first round of talks between the two sides in Islamabad in April. The historic direct US-Iran talks had ended without an agreement but also without a breakdown.

"Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” the prime minister said and added that the world has achieved a "historic milestone” of peace.

He said that a new dawn had emerged as "after three months and 16 days of tireless efforts, the US and Iran announced an immediate and permanent end to military action, including in Lebanon.”

Shahbaz congratulated the people of Pakistan, the international community and the MPs. He also lauded the cooperation and assistance of his allied parties.

He thanked former Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif "whose guidance was always available to me”. He also thanked President Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and other party heads.

"This is not an agreement between two countries, but it is the success of peace and dialogue - a diplomatic success,” the premier said, commending the top leadership of both countries.

The prime minister also lauded the efforts of several countries including the Muslim states in getting the conflict resolved, culminating in the present agreement.

He said that throughout the negotiation process, the leadership from both the US and Iran displayed patience and sense under difficult circumstances. "As a result, the entire world has come to witness this great day.”