Pakistan will observe Youm-e-Tashakur (Day of Gratitude) on Friday, April 10, after a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran.
The decision was reportedly made during a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Wednesday. The day will be observed to acknowledge the easing of tensions in the region after several days of uncertainty in the Middle East.
Sources said the federal cabinet decided to mark Friday as a “Day of Gratitude” and urged the nation to offer special prayers for the success of ongoing diplomatic efforts.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the services of Chief of Defence Force (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir.
According to sources, cabinet members expressed their appreciation for Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir by thumping their desks, while participants also congratulated the prime minister.
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Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has accepted Pakistan’s invitation to take part in talks in Islamabad following the ceasefire agreement with the United States, an official statement said.
Reports said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with President Pezeshkian after the ceasefire announcement by US President Donald Trump. The call lasted nearly 45 minutes and was described as cordial and friendly.
During the conversation, the prime minister appreciated the Iranian leadership’s move towards a ceasefire and expressed hope that peace would continue through dialogue. He also offered to host Iran-US talks in Islamabad later this week.
President Pezeshkian confirmed that he would participate in the proposed dialogue in Islamabad, the statement added. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also conveyed respect for Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.