Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Claims Army Chief Asim Munir 'Architect' Of US-Iran Peace Bid | Exclusive Details

Last Updated:March 28, 2026, 02:21 IST

Sharif praised the 'crucial role' of General Asim Munir in navigating the backchannels between Washington, Tehran, and the Gulf capitals

In a high-stakes address to the nation on Saturday, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has positioned the country’s military leadership at the forefront of global peacemaking. In a move that underscores the hybrid nature of the country’s governance, the Prime Minister credited Army Chief General Asim Munir—whom he referred to in spirit as playing a “Field Marshal-like" role—for spearheading an “advanced mediation" between the United States and Iran. Sharif asserted that Pakistan is moving with surgical diplomatic precision to save the region from a “destructive war" that would have catastrophic economic effects on the Pakistani people, CNN-News18 has learnt.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made it clear that the current diplomatic push is a joint venture between the civilian government and the “GHQ" establishment. He praised the “crucial role" of General Asim Munir in navigating the backchannels between Washington, Tehran, and the Gulf capitals. By highlighting the Army Chief’s involvement, Sharif is attempting to signal to the international community that any “Islamabad Framework" for peace carries the full weight and security guarantees of the Pakistani military. This narrative is intended to provide a sense of stability and “muscle" to Pakistan’s diplomatic “good offices," which have recently been viewed with scepticism by regional observers.

While the military provides the strategic backbone, the Prime Minister lauded Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for his “effective and peaceful diplomacy" on the frontlines. Dar has reportedly held detailed, multi-layered talks with leaders across Iran and the Gulf to prevent a potential direct conflict. According to the Prime Minister, Dar’s efforts are focused on creating a “relief-oriented" foreign policy—one that prioritises regional de-escalation to protect Pakistan’s own fragile economy from the supply-chain shocks of a West Asia war.

In a move clearly designed to bolster public support during his address, Prime Minister Sharif officially rejected a proposal to hike petroleum prices. Despite the global volatility in oil markets triggered by the West Asia crisis, the PM stated that the government would absorb the costs to provide “direct relief" to the public. By linking the “peacemaking" efforts in the Gulf to the stability of petrol pumps at home, Sharif is attempting to demonstrate that his government’s “GHQ-backed" diplomacy has a tangible, positive impact on the everyday lives of Pakistani citizens.

Despite the Prime Minister’s confident briefing, the international community remains cautious. Critics, including opposition leaders and regional intelligence agencies, argue that Pakistan is overstating its influence to mask internal instability. While Shehbaz Sharif portrays Pakistan as a central player in the US-Iran standoff, established channels like Oman and Switzerland continue to be the preferred routes for Washington. However, by addressing the nation and claiming a seat at the “high table" of global diplomacy, Sharif is clearly attempting to rebrand Pakistan as a regional stabiliser rather than a state “under siege" from its own border conflicts.

News world Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Claims Army Chief Asim Munir 'Architect' Of US-Iran Peace Bid | Exclusive Details

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