ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday welcomed Iran’s decision to agree to a temporary ceasefire with the United States, confirming that Islamabad will host high-level negotiations later this week aimed at resolving ongoing tensions.
In a telephone conversation lasting over 40 minutes, Sharif spoke with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the discussion was “warm and cordial.”
During the call, Sharif conveyed his respects to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei and praised the Iranian leadership for its “wisdom and sagacity” in accepting a ceasefire.
President Pezeshkian, in turn, thanked Sharif for Pakistan’s mediation efforts, extended his best wishes to the Pakistani people, and confirmed Iran’s participation in the upcoming negotiations in Islamabad.
Both leaders agreed to maintain close contact as discussions progress.
Later in the day, Sharif took to X to express his gratitude to China, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, Qatar, and other allied countries for their “invaluable and all-out support” in securing the ceasefire and enabling diplomatic efforts towards a comprehensive resolution.
He also commended the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for its “consistent support and commitment to peace and stability in the region,” describing its backing as “quintessential” for Pakistan’s efforts.
Sharif added that the leadership of these countries, alongside the US, had demonstrated “exceptional strategic foresight, sagacity and patience in giving peace a chance.”
He extended thanks to all partners and friends worldwide who had recognised Pakistan’s role in promoting global peace, calling for collective efforts to forge “lasting peace in the region and beyond.”
In a further post on X, Sharif tagged US President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Iranian President Dr Pezeshkian, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and others, expressing concern over “violations of the ceasefire…at a few places across the conflict zone, which undermine the spirit of the peace process.”
He urged all parties to exercise restraint and respect the agreed two-week ceasefire, emphasising that diplomacy should lead the efforts towards a peaceful settlement.
Earlier on Wednesday, Sharif had announced via X that following his intervention, the US and Iran, along with their respective allies, had agreed to an immediate two-week ceasefire covering all conflict zones, including Lebanon.
He described the development as a “sagacious gesture” and expressed his “deepest gratitude” to the leadership of both countries.
Sharif invited delegations from Iran and the US to Islamabad on Friday, 10 April, to negotiate a comprehensive settlement of ongoing disputes.
In his statement, he lauded both parties for demonstrating “remarkable wisdom and understanding” and for remaining constructively engaged in promoting regional peace and stability.
“We earnestly hope that the ‘Islamabad Talks’ succeed in achieving sustainable peace and wish to share more good news in the coming days,” he said.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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