Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for pausing the "Project Freedom" operation in the Strait of Hormuz [1].
The move signals a shift toward diplomatic resolution in one of the world's most volatile maritime corridors. By extending the U.S.-Iran ceasefire at Pakistan's request, the U.S. administration has acknowledged the role of regional mediators in preventing a wider escalation [2].
During a press briefing in Islamabad on Wednesday, April 23, 2026, Sharif said the actions were commendable peace initiatives [2]. The prime minister said the pause in military operations and the ceasefire extension align with Pakistan's ongoing efforts to seek a diplomatic solution to the tensions between the U.S. and Iran [3].
"I am grateful to President Donald Trump for his courageous leadership in pausing Project Freedom," Sharif said [4]. He said such leadership deserves appreciation and expressed hope that these preliminary steps would eventually lead to a permanent agreement between the opposing powers [2].
Sharif said Pakistan will continue to pursue a diplomatic path to ensure stability in the region [3]. The prime minister said the current de-escalation is a critical window for negotiations, one that could prevent further conflict in the Strait of Hormuz [2].
"We appreciate this move and hope it leads to a comprehensive peace deal," Sharif said [2].
“"I am grateful to President Donald Trump for his courageous leadership in pausing Project Freedom."”
This development highlights Pakistan's strategic positioning as a diplomatic bridge between the U.S. and Iran. By successfully requesting a pause in Project Freedom and a ceasefire extension, Islamabad is attempting to mitigate regional instability that threatens global trade routes in the Strait of Hormuz while strengthening its bilateral relationship with the Trump administration.
