Pakistan, April 9 -- Less than 24 hours after the announcement of a ceasefire, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that delegations from the United States and Iran would visit Pakistan on Friday for talks aimed at a peaceful settlement to the war in the Middle East.

Addressing the federal cabinet, PM Shehbaz said that the war had been delayed for the time being.

"A ceasefire is the first step. But our destination is lasting peace. Day after tomorrow (Friday), at my invitation, a US delegation is coming to Pakistan. In the same way, an Iranian delegation is also coming to Pakistan," he said.

During his address, PM Shehbaz also called the current situation a "shining moment" in Pakistan's history. He also praised Deputy Prime...