- Shehbaz, Vance hold talks as negotiations begin.
- US delegation includes Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
- Pakistan vows continued facilitation between both sides.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday met United States Vice President JD Vance as the Islamabad talks formally commenced, hoping that these negotiations would serve as a stepping stone towards durable peace in the Middle East.
The US vice president was accompanied by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, while the prime minister was assisted by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Senator Mohsin Raza Naqvi.
Commending the commitment of both delegations to engage constructively, the prime minister expressed hope that the talks would serve as a stepping stone toward durable peace in the region.
He reiterated that Pakistan looks forward to continuing its role in facilitating both sides in making progress towards sustainable peace.
The meeting comes shortly after a high-level US delegation headed by Vice President Vance and comprising Witkoff and Kushner, arrived in Islamabad earlier today to participate in the negotiations.
The talks follow a two-week ceasefire announced by President Trump after weeks of conflict that saw US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Despite the pause, tensions remain high, particularly over the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing hostilities involving Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Earlier, a senior Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf also arrived in Islamabad ahead of the talks. The delegation includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is expected to play a key role in the negotiations.
Ahead of the talks, Ghalibaf stressed that Washington must fulfil prior commitments, including easing restrictions on Iranian assets and ensuring a ceasefire in Lebanon, warning that progress would otherwise be difficult.
Vice President Vance expressed cautious optimism about the outcome but warned that any attempt by Iran to undermine the process would draw a firm response.
The conflict, which began on February 28 following coordinated US-Israeli strikes targeting Iran’s leadership and infrastructure, has resulted in more than 2,000 deaths and widespread regional instability. Tehran responded with retaliatory operations, including the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Israeli and US targets in the region.
A ceasefire was eventually announced on April 8, with Pakistan playing a central role in mediation. However, key disagreements persist. Washington has proposed a 15-point framework focusing on nuclear and missile issues, sanctions relief and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran has presented a 10-point plan seeking greater control over the waterway, transit fees, and comprehensive sanctions removal.
The international community has broadly welcomed Pakistan’s diplomatic role, backing its efforts to de-escalate tensions and facilitate negotiations aimed at achieving lasting peace.
