- Shehbaz, Vance holds talks as negotiations begin.
- The American delegation includes Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
- Pakistan promises continued facilitation between both sides.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday met US Vice President JD Vance as the Islamabad talks formally began, hoping that these talks would serve as a springboard towards lasting 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 towards lasting peace in the region.
He reiterated that Pakistan looks forward to continuing its role in helping both sides make progress towards sustainable peace.
The meeting comes shortly after a high-level US delegation led by Vice President Vance and comprising Witkoff and Kushner arrived in Islamabad earlier today to take part in the talks.
The talks follow a two-week ceasefire announced by President Trump following weeks of conflict in which the US and Israel attacked Iran.
Despite the pause, tensions remain high, particularly over the Strait of Hormuz and the ongoing hostilities involving Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Earlier, a high-level 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 meet past commitments, including easing restrictions on Iranian assets and securing a ceasefire in Lebanon, and warned 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 prompt a firm response.
The conflict, which began on February 28 following coordinated US-Israeli attacks targeting Iran’s leadership and infrastructure, has resulted in more than 2,000 deaths and widespread regional instability. Tehran responded with retaliatory operations, including disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Israeli and US targets in the region.
A ceasefire was eventually announced on 8 April, with Pakistan playing a central role in mediation. However, the main disagreements remain. Washington has proposed a 15-point framework focusing on nuclear and missile issues, sanctions and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran has presented a 10-point plan seeking greater control over the waterway, transit fees and the sweeping removal of sanctions.
The international community has broadly welcomed Pakistan’s diplomatic role, supporting its efforts to de-escalate tensions and facilitate negotiations aimed at achieving lasting peace.
