In an interview with a British news outlet, the Pakistan Peoples Party chairman said that a ceasefire had been achieved after weeks of diplomatic efforts and emphasized that the world cannot afford failure in ongoing talks. “There is no Plan B; Plan A — peace — must succeed,” he said, cautioning that the consequences of the conflict could be devastating on a global scale.
The Pakistan-hosted negotiations follow a two-week ceasefire announced by Donald Trump after six weeks of intense fighting, which brought a halt to US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
Bilawal noted that the conflict has not only caused significant loss of life but has also disrupted the global economy. He said Iran’s 10-point proposal is currently serving as the foundation for negotiations, although key differences remain between the two sides.
He added that hostilities, including bombardments and retaliatory strikes, have largely ceased for now, and Pakistan hopes to help bridge the trust deficit between the parties through continued diplomatic engagement.
Responding to speculation about a potential Nobel Peace Prize nomination, Bilawal downplayed the idea, saying the primary focus remains on achieving lasting peace rather than personal recognition.
The conflict began on February 28 following coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel that killed Ali Khamenei and targeted Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure. In response, Iran escalated military operations across the region, disrupting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and launching attacks on Israeli territory and US bases in the Gulf.
The six-week war resulted in over 2,000 deaths before a ceasefire was reached on April 8, announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Washington has proposed a 15-point framework focusing on Iran’s nuclear program, missile capabilities, sanctions relief, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran, meanwhile, has put forward a 10-point counterproposal calling for greater control over the waterway, transit tolls, an end to regional military operations, and comprehensive sanctions removal.
Pakistan’s role in facilitating the ceasefire and hosting negotiations has been widely welcomed by the international community, with several countries backing Islamabad’s efforts to de-escalate tensions and advance a diplomatic resolution.
