Ceasefire a milestone, but Palestinian statehood remains core objective: PM Sharif

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday described the Gaza ceasefire agreement as a “historic milestone” towards peace in the Middle East, but reiterated that Pakistan’s ultimate goal remains the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

In a statement shared before departing Sharm el-Sheikh after attending the Gaza Peace Summit, the prime minister said Pakistan’s foremost concern was to end the “genocidal campaign” in Gaza and secure an immediate halt to hostilities.

“Along with other brotherly nations, we consistently emphasized this priority. Our gratitude to President Trump is anchored in his promise to make it stop — and delivering on that promise,” Sharif said, expressing appreciation for the US leader’s role in brokering the ceasefire.

As I board the plane to return home after the Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm el Sheikh, I want to share some reflections on the potentially transformational nature of what took place and why Pakistan has been so deeply involved.

The most important priority for Pakistan was the…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) October 14, 2025

The premier noted that Pakistan’s engagement in the summit reflected its enduring commitment to the Palestinian cause. “The Palestinian people’s freedom, dignity and prosperity remain a primary concern for Pakistan,” he said.

Reaffirming Islamabad’s long-standing policy, Sharif stressed that the establishment of a strong, viable Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders and Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital “remains the bedrock of Pakistan’s Middle East policy and will remain so.”

PM hails Trump for Gaza peace deal

The remarks come a day after PM Sharif attended the signing of the Gaza ceasefire declaration at the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit for Peace in Egypt. Addressing the summit, Sharif said peace had been achieved after “undying efforts led by President Trump, who is genuinely a man of peace.”

The Prime Minister recalled that Pakistan had earlier nominated President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in ending the conflict between India and Pakistan and announced his decision to “nominate him once again for his extraordinary contribution in stopping the Gaza war.”

“He has saved millions of lives. Mr President, I salute you. You are the man this world needed the most at this time,” Sharif added.

Smiling in response, Trump, sharing the podium with Sharif, added, “Wow, I didn't expect that...that was very beautiful.”

Earlier, Trump and leaders from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey signed a declaration guaranteeing the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Under the agreement, Hamas freed the last 20 surviving captives in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Trump called it “a tremendous day for the Middle East and for the world,” expressing confidence that the ceasefire “is going to hold up.”