Urges Muslim community to recognise that its ‘true enemy’ is India in South Asia and Israel in Gulf
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif speaking at the National Assembly session on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. PHOTO: Facebook/ National Assembly of Pakistan
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif expressed hope for the success of the US-Iran two-week ceasefire on Wednesday, urging the Muslim world to protect these gains and remain vigilant against threats to peace in the region.
Earlier today, the prime minister announced that Iran and the US, along with their allies, had agreed to an immediate ceasefire “everywhere, including Lebanon”, effective immediately. The prime minister invited delegations from both nations to Islamabad on April 10 to negotiate a conclusive settlement.
Read more: World leaders praise Pakistan after US‑Iran ceasefire
US President Donald Trump endorsed the two-week truce shortly before a self-imposed deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Posting on Truth Social, he described it as “a big day for world peace” and signalled US support for stabilising the region, including ensuring safe passage through the strategic waterway.
Speaking in the National Assembly on the matter, the defence minister said: “May we succeed in establishing peace and reconciliation, but the Muslim Ummah must remain vigilant to protect these gains and stay watchful against threats to peace.”
He emphasised Pakistan’s significant role in fostering peace in the region, highlighting the country’s efforts in facilitating dialogue between the nations on both sides of the Persian Gulf.
“As brothers on both sides of the Gulf, we are playing a role in promoting peace,” Asif said, adding that Islam also advocated for peace and reconciliation. He further stated that the current achievements had provided the country with a new identity on the global stage.
Read More: US, Iran agree to two-week ceasefire with reopening of Strait of Hormuz
The defence minister also cautioned against Israel’s growing influence globally, stating, “The Israeli influence has spread across Europe, the United States, and the Arab world, and Pakistan now has a significant opportunity to take on a leadership role in opposing it.”
Asif reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to play a leading role in the Muslim world and urged the Muslim world to recognise that its”true and eternal enemy” was India in South Asia and Israel in the Gulf.
He mentioned that in Pakistan’s 75-year history, there had perhaps never been a moment of such joy and pride. “Last year, we won a war against our eternal enemy, and Pakistan’s stature on the international stage has grown significantly.”
Read More: PM Shehbaz commends US, Gulf nations for ‘giving peace a chance’
He added that Pakistan was being praised across the world, from European nations to Muslim countries, our region, and our allies. “This moment of pride and respect is unprecedented in our 78-year history,” he said.
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, said that the US-Iran ceasefire was a historic honour and a moment of pride for the entire Pakistani nation, saying Pakistan’s sincere efforts had borne fruit, and the announcement of the ceasefire between the US and Iran in the Middle East was a testament to this.
He said Pakistan’s name was being taken with respect and honour across the world, adding that, “I pay tribute to PM Shehbaz, FM Dar, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and their unmatched diplomacy and tireless efforts, which brought Pakistan to the forefront globally.
“The entire team of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also deserves our admiration for their professional capabilities,” he added.
Sadiq said that it was now time for the entire Muslim Ummah to come together with mutual respect and unity for the welfare of the innocent and oppressed Muslims.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said that today was a significant day in Pakistan’s history, as Allah had blessed the country with honour.
Tarar said that Pakistan’s message should be one of peace and unity, urging opposition parties to postpone their protests.
