Heroes Are Those Who End Wars, Not Those Eager to start them : Zardari Hails Historic Islamabad MoU between US and Iran

KARACHI: President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday warmly welcomed the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran, describing it as a historic achievement for regional and global peace and emphasizing that diplomacy had prevailed over conflict.
In a message issued following the signing of the agreement, President Zardari said the conflict that began in February 2026 had inflicted immense suffering on the peoples of the region and caused significant disruption to global energy supplies, trade routes and economic stability.
He expressed hope that such a tragedy would never be repeated and that countries of the region would now focus their energies on development, prosperity and the welfare of their citizens.
“Heroes are those who end wars, not those who are eager to start them,” the President remarked, underscoring the importance of dialogue and peaceful engagement in resolving international disputes.
President Zardari paid tribute to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for their tireless diplomatic efforts, which he said played a significant role in helping the parties reach an agreement.
He noted that Pakistan maintained a principled, balanced and constructive position throughout the crisis, consistently advocating restraint, dialogue and a peaceful resolution while remaining engaged with all relevant stakeholders.
The President said the agreement represented a diplomatic milestone and reflected Pakistan’s commitment to peace, stability and regional cooperation. He added that the Islamabad MoU carrying the name of Pakistan’s capital was a matter of pride for the country and a recognition of its role in facilitating dialogue.
President Zardari also appreciated the leadership of US President Donald Trump, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for choosing diplomacy over confrontation and helping advance the cause of peace.
He further acknowledged the constructive support of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt, as well as Russia and China, whose encouragement of dialogue contributed to efforts aimed at ending the crisis.
Calling for the full implementation of the agreement, President Zardari urged all parties to expedite efforts towards a final settlement within the agreed timeframe to ensure durable peace and long-term stability.
He said the Islamabad MoU should serve as the foundation for a comprehensive peace framework that would enable countries of the region to focus on economic growth, energy cooperation, trade expansion and public welfare.
Diplomatic observers believe the agreement could mark a turning point in regional geopolitics by reducing tensions and creating opportunities for greater economic and strategic cooperation across the Middle East and beyond.
The President reiterated that war brings only destruction and misery, while peace remains the only path toward sustainable progress and prosperity.
He expressed confidence that the spirit of the Islamabad MoU would guide all parties toward a lasting settlement and a future based on cooperation, stability and shared development.