According to highly placed sources in the federal capital, contacts are ongoing for the revival of stalled negotiations between the US and Iran, and talks may be held again before the end of the two-week ceasefire on April 21.
They said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Asim Munir are making hectic efforts to ensure the second round of talks that may end the Gulf war.
In some high-level meetings held in Islamabad, indications have been given to prepare for the next round of talks between the top leadership of the two countries who held first direct negotiations in 47 years in Islamabad on April 10.
According to certain sources, the next round of negotiations could take place in Islamabad on April 16.
However, on the same date, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The prime minister will undertake one-day visits to Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
After almost six weeks of conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran and with less than two hours before US President Donald Trump’s deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, PM Shehbaz announced on April 8 that both sides had agreed to a two-week ceasefire.
On April 11, a US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance and an Iranian delegation led by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, held a marathon session in Islamabad to find a peaceful resolution of a conflict that started on February 28.
The US and Iran failed to reach an agreement.
Hope of positive talks outcome
Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to playing a key role in promoting lasting peace in the region, while expressing hope that the recent direct talks between the United States and Iran would yield positive results.
Chairing an emergency meeting of the federal cabinet, the prime minister voiced satisfaction over progress in the negotiations and said Pakistan remained optimistic about a constructive outcome.
Referring to the high-level talks, Shehbaz noted that Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts helped bring both sides to the tablecalling it a major achievement after decades of estrangement.
He said delegations from both countries engaged in nearly 21 hours of direct negotiationsthe first such engagement in 47 years. He termed the development a historic moment and said Pakistan now had an opportunity to help transform the ceasefire into lasting peace.
The prime minister said the Islamabad talks helped dispel the clouds of war hovering over the region and created prospects for peace amid global economic uncertainty.
He added that throughout history, agreements such as the Oslo Accords, Geneva Accords and Good Friday Agreement had taken years to materialise, but Pakistan’s efforts facilitated a breakthrough dialogue between two adversaries.
He also thanked Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump for accepting Pakistan’s request for a two-week ceasefire.
Highlighting Pakistan’s historical role in diplomacy, the PM recalled its efforts in facilitating rapprochement between the United States and China in the early 1970s. He said both US and Iranian delegations appreciated Pakistan’s sincerity and constructive role.
Shehbaz Sharif further said he had received calls from leaders, including the Japanese prime minister and several European counterparts, acknowledging Pakistan’s peace efforts. He described the development as a matter of pride for the nation.
He credited the achievement to the collective efforts of the government and the prayers of the people, while specially commending Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their tireless work.
He noted that officials worked through nights to ensure progress at critical momentsefforts he said would be remembered in golden words.
Earlier, the federal cabinet unanimously passed a resolution expressing gratitude to the Almighty for granting Pakistan the opportunity to play a central role in promoting global peace.
The cabinet paid tribute to the country’s leadership for bringing the two sides together and ending nearly half a century of deadlock, and expressed hope that these sincere efforts would lead to lasting peace worldwide.
PM talks to Canadian counterpart
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney who congratulated Shehbaz on Pakistan’s peace efforts that culminated in the temporary ceasefire and led to the recently held talks between the US and Iran.
While appreciating Canada’s endorsement and support for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, the PM highlighted that the US-Iran negotiations were an important step toward peace and assured that Pakistan would continue its efforts to urge both parties to maintain the ceasefire and make meaningful progress toward de-escalation.
The two leaders also exchanged views on Pakistan-Canada bilateral relations and expressed their desire to work together to enhance cooperation in agriculture, clean energy, mines and minerals as well as enhancing Canadian investments in Pakistan.
The PM reiterated his invitation to the Canadian prime minister to visit Pakistan officially at his convenience. Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination, said an official statement.
PM reviews fuel situation
Shehbaz also chaired a review meeting on petroleum reserves amid a fuel crisis in the wake of the war and directed continuous monitoring of oil consumption in the country.
He said due to consistent monitoring of oil consumption and reserves, along with an improved strategy, no shortage crisis had emerged despite regional tensions. The prime minister added that measures taken to provide relief to the public would continue.
During the meeting, the prime minister was briefed on the country’s current petroleum reserves and future requirements.
The briefing noted that sufficient quantities of petroleum products are available, but austerity must be maintained to ensure conservation. It was further informed that arrangements for oil imports have already been made in view of future needs.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and senior officials.
Minister predicts talks
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Monday the next round of Iran-US negotiations was expected soon, with positive progress having been observed.
Speaking to the media outside Parliament House, the minister noted that a possibility of renewed dialogue between Tehran and Washington remained, adding that following the latest round of talks, there had been a sense of satisfaction, with no negative developments reported so far.
“Only positive progress has been observed,” he remarked, indicating that the ongoing diplomatic efforts were moving in a constructive direction.
Responding to a question about whether Pakistan would play a decisive role in shaping the region’s future, Asif said that ultimate decisions rest with Almighty.
Commenting on India, the defence minister struck a critical tone, saying there appeared to be unease there, with varying reactions emerging.
He maintained that the broader diplomatic process in the region was advancing positively and that continued negotiations were enhancing prospects for peace and stability.