ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is now the focus of international attention as it is hosting peace talks between the US and Iran. The negotiations, which will take place today and tomorrow in Islamabad have drawn high-level delegations from both sides including top officials and diplomats.
The American delegation will comprise Vice President J.D. Vance, chief negotiator Steve Vitkoff, and Jared Kushner, who is the son-in-law of the US President, Donald Trump. While on the Iranian side, the delegation will consist of the Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif himself visited the venue early in the day to ensure the security of the delegates attending the meeting. The federal interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, also held consultations with the US chargé d’affaires in Pakistan, Natalie Baker, who assured him that top US officials will attend the talks as honoured guests.
According to a spokesman at the White House, the meetings are to be held privately, with the deliberations centered on securing an agreement that would suit the best interests of the American government. Despite the secrecy surrounding the negotiations, the subjects for discussion are predicted to range from issues relating to regional security, trade, and military de-escalation among others.
The negotiations have come out as a landmark event in the relations between the two nations. The involvement of Pakistan as the host of the meetings is set to catapult the country into the limelight on the global stage, as all eyes turn towards the results of the critical negotiations.
PM Shehbaz confirms immediate US-Iran ceasefire, invites delegations to Islamabad for peace talks
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has confirmed that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their respective allies have agreed to an immediate ceasefire effective immediately. This ceasefire includes all areas of conflict, notably extending to Lebanon and other regions affected by the tensions between the two powers.
In his tweet, PM Sharif expressed his gratitude, saying, “With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that both the United States and Iran, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere, including Lebanon and elsewhere, effective immediately.” He further welcomed the decision, calling it a “sagacious gesture” from both nations, and praised the leadership of both countries for their willingness to engage in peace.
With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere including Lebanon and elsewhere, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.
I warmly welcome the…— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 7, 2026
The Prime Minister also extended an invitation to both delegations, expressing a hope that “the ‘Islamabad Talks’ succeed in achieving sustainable peace.” The Islamabad Talks are scheduled for Friday, April 10, 2026, where both parties will further negotiate toward a comprehensive and lasting resolution to all disputes.
PM Sharif highlighted the remarkable wisdom and constructive engagement displayed by both parties, noting, “Both parties have displayed remarkable wisdom and understanding and have remained constructively engaged in furthering the cause of peace and stability.”
This momentous announcement marks a significant step toward peace in the Middle East, as PM Sharif expresses optimism that these talks will bring lasting resolution to longstanding issues. The Prime Minister also promised to share more positive developments in the coming days.
