Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday welcomed the announcement by US President Donald Trump regarding a pause in the Project Freedom initiative in the Strait of Hormuz at Pakistan’s request.

In a post on X, the prime minister expressed gratitude to President Trump for a courageous leadership and a timely decision to de-escalate tensions in the region.

“I am grateful to President Donald Trump for his courageous leadership and timely announcement regarding the pause in Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz,” he wrote.

Shehbaz noted that President Trump’s response to requests from Pakistan and other countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and its Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, would contribute positively to regional peace, stability, and reconciliation during a sensitive period.

The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at restraint and the peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.

“We are very hopeful that the current momentum will lead to a lasting agreement that secures durable peace and stability for the region and beyond,” he added.

Earlier, President Trump, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, stated that the decision was made following requests from Pakistan and other nations.

He cited “tremendous military success” during a campaign against Iran, along with significant progress toward a comprehensive agreement with Iranian representatives.

Trump added that while the blockade would remain in effect, Project Freedom, described as the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, would be paused temporarily to allow time for a potential agreement to be finalised and signed.