ISLAMABAD (MNN); Less than a day after a ceasefire announcement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said that delegations from the United States and Iran will arrive in Pakistan on Friday to participate in talks aimed at securing a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed Tehran’s participation during a telephonic conversation with the premier earlier in the day.
Addressing the federal cabinet, PM Shehbaz described the ceasefire as only an initial step, stressing that the ultimate goal is sustainable peace. He announced that both US and Iranian delegations had accepted Pakistan’s invitation to engage in dialogue in Islamabad.
Calling the development a “historic moment,” the prime minister praised Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir for their coordinated and selfless efforts. He remarked that such unity between political and military leadership was unprecedented in his four-decade career and would serve as a guiding example for future generations.
The prime minister expressed optimism that the scheduled April 10 talks would yield positive results. He also conveyed gratitude to the Iranian leadership for agreeing to the ceasefire and accepting Pakistan’s mediation offer, while extending his respects to Iran’s Supreme Leader.
In response, President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic role in facilitating a temporary truce and extended goodwill to the people of Pakistan. Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination moving forward.
The development follows Pakistan’s announcement that both Iran and the US, along with their allies, had agreed to an immediate ceasefire, including in Lebanon. PM Shehbaz also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to working with global partners to promote peace and stability.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump had agreed to suspend military operations against Iran for two weeks, provided Tehran ensured the reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. In return, Iran signaled it would halt defensive actions if attacks ceased, while allowing safe maritime passage under coordination with its armed forces.
PM Shehbaz thanked friendly nations including China, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Egypt and Qatar, as well as Gulf Cooperation Council countries, for supporting diplomatic efforts that led to the ceasefire. He also acknowledged the role of international partners in giving peace a chance.
However, the prime minister noted reports of minor ceasefire violations and urged all sides to exercise restraint and honor the agreement to allow diplomacy to progress.
President Asif Ali Zardari also welcomed the ceasefire, calling it a timely opportunity for dialogue and regional stability. He emphasized that Pakistan had consistently worked in good faith to de-escalate tensions and prevent a wider conflict.
The president appreciated the leadership of both Iran and the United States for choosing dialogue over escalation and praised the diplomatic efforts of Pakistan, Gulf countries and global stakeholders.
He highlighted that peace remains essential for economic stability, security and the well-being of people across the region, urging continued engagement to ensure a lasting resolution.
