Pakistan is set to host delegations from the US and Iran to discuss a permanent resolution to the Middle East conflict following a recently-announced ceasefire agreement.
In a televised address to his Cabinet on Wednesday, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the ceasefire agreement is a “first step” toward broader peace, according to the Associated Press (AP).
Sharif noted that Islamabad would host talks next Friday to consolidate the agreement, hoping that they would help turn the fragile ceasefire into a lasting resolution.
“The war has only been temporarily averted, but this is an important beginning,” he said.
Late Tuesday, US President Donald Trump announced that Washington and Tehran agreed to a temporary truce that suspends attacks for two weeks in exchange for the complete, immediate, and safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan – a key mediator in the US-Iran talks – welcomed the announcement and invited both parties for further talks in Islamabad to “negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes.”
“We earnestly hope that the ‘Islamabad Talks’ succeed in achieving sustainable peace and wish to share more good news in coming days!” Sharif said in a statement on X.
The Pakistani Prime Minister also thanked Saudi Arabia, China, Egypt, Türkiye and Qatar for their “invaluable and all out support towards reaching the ceasefire and giving peaceful diplomatic efforts a chance to seek a comprehensive and conclusive end to the conflict.”
Moreover, he appreciated the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries for their “consistent support and commitment to peace and stability in the region.”
