ISLAMABAD, Friday, April 10, 2026 (WNP): Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has emphasized that the ongoing ceasefire between the United States and Iran presents a critical opportunity to achieve lasting peace, as Islamabad prepares to host key negotiations.

In an exclusive interview with Sky News, Bilawal said global attention is now focused on the visiting delegations expected in Islamabad, noting that the conflict has had far-reaching human and economic consequences across regions, including Pakistan, Europe, the Middle East and beyond.

He described the ceasefire itself as a significant diplomatic achievement, reached after sustained efforts over several weeks, and expressed hope that it would be built upon to secure a more permanent and comprehensive peace.

“We’re all hopeful that this space that has been achieved… is now built upon towards a more lasting, more permanent peace,” he said.

Acknowledging challenges ahead, Bilawal pointed to the trust deficit between Washington and Tehran as a key hurdle but expressed confidence that confidence-building measures would help expand space for dialogue. He noted that the framework for talks is already in place, with a set of 10 points conveyed by Pakistan on behalf of Iran and endorsed by the U.S. leadership as a viable starting point for negotiations.

He observed that while some aspects of the ceasefire remain contested, major developments have already taken hold, including the cessation of bombing in Iran and retaliatory attacks across the region. Referring to concerns related to the Strait of Hormuz and Lebanon, he said such issues could be addressed through sustained engagement.

Drawing on Pakistan’s own experience following its conflict with India, Bilawal noted that ceasefire implementation can take time, but progress is achievable through continued dialogue.

He stressed that the international community must remain committed to a peaceful resolution, warning that prolonged conflict could trigger severe global economic repercussions.

“War of this scale is not an option,” he said, pointing to the devastating human and financial costs witnessed over recent weeks.

Rejecting suggestions that Pakistan’s efforts are driven by image-building, Bilawal said the country’s primary motivation is regional stability, given its proximity to Iran and Afghanistan and its own experience of prolonged conflict. He warned that further escalation would be unaffordable not only for Pakistan but for the global community.

Commenting on speculation about international recognition, he downplayed the idea, stating that achieving peace remains the ultimate objective.

“Pakistan and everyone would settle for us to just achieve peace,” he said.

Bilawal’s remarks as reinforcing Pakistan’s emerging role as a key facilitator in international diplomacy, with Islamabad increasingly positioned at the center of efforts to promote dialogue and stability in a volatile geopolitical environment.