Pakistan PM lauds commitment of US, Iranian delegations to engage constructively

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the commitment of US and Iranian delegations to engage constructively during his meeting with the US Vice President JD Vance on Saturday.

"As the Islamabad Talks commenced today, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with JD Vance, Vice President of the United States of America," said a press release issued by Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office on Saturday.

The US vice president was assisted by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

The prime minister was assisted by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

Commending the commitment of both delegations to engage constructively, the prime minister expressed the hope that these talks would serve as a stepping stone toward durable peace in the region.

The prime minister reiterated that Pakistan looks forward to continue its facilitation of both sides in making progress towards sustainable peace in the region, the press release said.

High-stakes negotiations 

High-stakes Iran–US negotiations are set to begin in Pakistan’s capital, where delegations have started arriving and initial engagements are underway in what Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described as a “make or break” moment for peace.

“In response to my sincere invitation, the leaderships of both countries are coming to Islamabad. There, negotiations will be held for the establishment of peace,” Sharif said in a televised address.

The talks follow a fragile two-week ceasefire brokered through Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, positioning Islamabad at the centre of global attempts to de-escalate a conflict that has unsettled the region and global markets.

US delegation in Pakistan

US Vice President JD Vance has arrived in Islamabad, leading a high-level delegation to participate in the negotiations, the foreign office said, marking a key moment in efforts to turn a fragile ceasefire into a broader peace framework.

The delegation includes Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Officials said the US team will engage in negotiations aimed at addressing core issues, including regional security and de-escalation.

The delegation was received by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

Welcoming the delegation, Dar commended the United States’ commitment to achieving “lasting regional and global peace and stability” and expressed hope that all sides would engage constructively.

He also reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to continue facilitating dialogue, saying Islamabad remains committed to supporting efforts toward a “lasting and durable solution” to the conflict as negotiations get underway.

‘Good intentions’

An Iranian delegation of more than 70 members, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, arrived first in Islamabad under tight security, according to the Pakistan Foreign Office.

The delegation includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, senior military official Ali-Akbar Ahmadian, and politician-economist Abdolnasser Hemmati, underscoring Tehran’s high-level representation.

“We have good intentions but we do not trust,” Ghalibaf said upon arrival, according to Iranian state television. “Our experience in negotiating with the Americans has always been met with failure and broken promises.”

Vance heads to Pakistan 

Before departing Washington for Islamabad, JD Vance expressed cautious optimism about the upcoming negotiations, saying the United States would pursue a constructive outcome while remaining firm in its approach.

“We’re going to try to have a positive negotiation,” he told reporters, adding, “If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand… but if they try to play us, the negotiating team is not going to be receptive.”

The talks come after weeks of intense fighting that began late February, when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, triggering a wider regional conflict as Tehran retaliated against US and allied targets. Now in its second month, the war has spread across the Middle East, disrupted global energy flows, and raised fears of a broader escalation, even as a fragile ceasefire attempts to halt hostilities.

‘Islamabad Talks’

Pakistan has moved to facilitate participation, offering visa-on-arrival for delegates and journalists.

“Pakistan has extended visa-free travel to delegates and journalists… for the duration of the talks,” Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said.

Security and logistical preparations have been reinforced.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired a high-level meeting reviewing arrangements, assuring “foolproof security measures” for visiting delegations.

Pakistan’s civil and military leadership reviewed the evolving situation. Pakistan Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir met Sharif, with both stressing the need to “maintain peace and a ceasefire by all parties,” according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

“The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the de-escalation achieved so far… and reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to facilitate a negotiated settlement,” the statement said, adding that arrangements for delegations had been finalized with “highest consideration and support.”

International backing for Pakistan’s mediation continues to grow.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held calls with counterparts from the Netherlands and France, who commended Islamabad’s role in securing the ceasefire and advancing a diplomatic pathway.

“Both sides underscored the importance of full implementation of the ceasefire to achieve sustained peace,” the Foreign Office said.

‘Indispensable role’

Beijing-based global affairs expert Victor Gao said Pakistan has played an “indispensable role” in bringing the United States and Iran to the negotiating table, calling the current ceasefire a critical breakthrough.

“I think mankind should give a lot of credit to Pakistan for the important and indispensable role… leading towards this two-week-long truce,” Gao told Pakistan TV Digital, warning that continued conflict risked triggering a wider economic crisis. “Otherwise this ongoing energy crisis will lead to a major economic crisis… one of the most important financial crises in human history.”

He said Pakistan’s sustained diplomatic engagement had been key in preventing further escalation and expressed hope that the ceasefire would hold.

“Pakistan has been doing great… engaged in hectic negotiation and good offices between Washington and Tehran,” he said, adding that Beijing and Islamabad were aligned in seeking an immediate end to the war. “China and Pakistan share the same desire to see an end to this war immediately,” Gao added.

At the same time, concern is mounting over continued violence in Lebanon, where Israeli strikes have intensified despite the truce.

Dar, in conversations with international partners, stressed the need for “full respect and implementation of the ceasefire.”

Deadly strikes in Lebanon

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has called for an immediate end to attacks, while the United Nations condemned the escalation.

“The United Nations strongly condemns the strikes… that resulted in significant civilian casualties,” spokesman Farhan Haq said.

Despite these challenges, Pakistan has intensified diplomatic outreach, with Sharif thanking global leaders for supporting what he described as Islamabad’s “sincere efforts” to advance peace.

“I earnestly and sincerely urge all parties to exercise restraint… so that diplomacy can take a lead role,” he said earlier.

With delegations arriving and global attention fixed on Islamabad, the talks are expected to test whether the ceasefire can hold and evolve into a broader framework for lasting regional peace.

- This story was first published on April 11 at 01:26 AM and is being continuously updated with the latest developments. Please refresh the page for real-time updates.

- Writing contribution: Maisam Ali, Hammaad Qayyum Khan and Maham Babar Khan.