ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to facilitating dialogue as high-stakes negotiations between the United States and Iran, dubbed the “Islamabad Talks,” formally commenced in the federal capital.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Iranian delegation was led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf and accompanied by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. On the Pakistani side, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi were present.
Welcoming Iran’s participation, the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s “sincere resolve” to continue its mediatory efforts aimed at fostering meaningful progress toward regional and global peace.
Earlier in the day, PM Shehbaz also held a meeting with US Vice President JD Vance, alongside Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner, who arrived in Islamabad as part of the American delegation for the talks.
The negotiations come in the wake of a six-week conflict involving Iran, which has resulted in thousands of casualties, disrupted global energy markets, and slowed economic growth worldwide. Both Washington and Tehran are now seeking a diplomatic resolution through these talks.
The Iranian delegation, which arrived late Friday, was received by Pakistani officials including Ishaq Dar, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Mohsin Naqvi, and military leadership. Pakistan’s Foreign Office expressed hope that both sides would engage constructively and move toward a lasting settlement.
As Islamabad hosts what is being seen as one of the most significant diplomatic engagements in recent years, the city has been placed under tight security. Key routes have been sealed, security forces heavily deployed, and surveillance heightened, with the talks being held at a secure, undisclosed location.
Pakistan has played an increasingly central role in de-escalating tensions in the Middle East. Following recent airstrikes by the US and Israel on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent retaliation, Islamabad intensified diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
In recent weeks, Pakistan hosted a quadrilateral meeting involving foreign ministers from Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, which was widely welcomed internationally. Additionally, Pakistan and China jointly proposed a five-point initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the wider Middle East.
