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PM, ARMY CHIEF REVIEW PAKISTAN'S MEDIATION EFFORT AS US-IRAN TALKS LOOM
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Friday, 10 April, 2026 | 21 Shawwal, 1447
g ISLAMABAD SET TO HOST
g PAKISTAN INTENSIFIES
HIGH-STAKES US-IRAN NEGOTIATIONS
P
g GLOBAL TENSIONS PERSIST
DIPLOMATIC OUTREACH AMID FRAGILE CEASEFIRE
DESPITE TEMPORARY TRUCE AND ONGOING STRIKES
Islamabad ramps up Iran, Saudi FMs hold security ahead of US, first call since start of Iran peace negotiations conflict, discuss ways ISLAMABAD to reduce tensions
ISLAMABAD Mian abrar
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces/Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir on Thursday held a detailed meeting to review the progress of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at securing sustainable peace in the region, as Islamabad prepares to host critical talks between the United States and Iran. According to an official statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Field Marshal Munir called on the premier and discussed evolving regional dynamics, particularly the ongoing efforts to mediate between Tehran and Washington. Both leaders expressed satisfaction over the relative de-escalation achieved in recent days and underscored the importance of preserving the fragile ceasefire. The leadership stressed that restraint by all sides was essential to prevent a relapse into conflict, reiterating Pakistan’s readiness to extend “all-out support” in facilitating dialogue and encouraging a peaceful, negotiated settlement. Prime Minister Shehbaz also appreciated the commitment shown by the parties involved and extended a formal welcome to incoming delegations expected to arrive in Islamabad over the weekend. The meeting assumes added
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significance as Pakistan emerges as a central diplomatic bridge in one of the most volatile geopolitical crises in recent years. The current conflict was sparked on February 28 following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, triggering widespread instability and a global energy shock due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz — a vital artery for oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. From the outset, Islamabad moved swiftly to engage key stakeholders. Prime Minister Shehbaz, along with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, initiated a series of high-level contacts with Iranian, Gulf and Western leaders, consistently advocating dialogue, restraint and de-escalation. On March 24, the prime min-
ister publicly offered Pakistan as a neutral venue for “meaningful and conclusive talks” between Washington and Tehran. The following day, a 15-point US peace proposal was conveyed to Iran through Pakistani channels, highlighting Islamabad’s growing role as an intermediary. Tehran responded with its own set of conditions, signalling openness to dialogue but firmly rejecting temporary ceasefire arrangements in favour of a permanent resolution. Despite initial reports of deadlock, diplomatic momentum continued. On March 26, Ishaq Dar confirmed that indirect communication between the US and Iran was underway, with Pakistan acting as a conduit for messages.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday met Natalie Baker to review the evolving Middle East situation and discuss preparations for the high-level United States-Iran peace talks scheduled to begin in Islamabad from Friday. Pakistan is hosting delegations from both countries following a temporary ceasefire facilitated by Islamabad, which came just before a US deadline for military escalation expired. The conflict had erupted after strikes by Israel and the United States on Iran on February 28, triggering retaliatory attacks by Tehran across the region. During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the upcoming negotiations and reviewed arrangements for the visiting delegations. The US ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic role, particularly in light of recent regional tensions, describing its efforts as sincere and constructive. Mr Naqvi said a comprehensive plan had been finalised to ensure foolproof security for all foreign guests. He noted that US Vice President JD Vance, along with envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, would be received as special guests during the talks in the federal capital. Discussions also focused on logistical and security arrangements, as Islamabad prepares to host one of the most sensitive diplomatic engagements in recent years. Authorities have enforced extraordinary measures across the city, including traffic restrictions and heightened security deployment.
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PM strongly condemns Israel’s aggression against Lebanon ISLAMABAD
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DPM Dar briefs senior journalists, anchor persons on regional, global developments & Pakistan’s achievements ISLAMABAD
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Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister (DPM/FM), Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Friday held an interactive briefing with anchorpersons and senior journalists on regional and global developments, as well as Pakistan’s foreign policy priorities, challenges, and achievements. The briefing was held here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a DPM’s Office news release said. The engagement reflects regular communication between the Foreign Office and the national media.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday held a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Lebanon Nawaf Salam and strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing aggression against Lebanon. He also expressed condolences over the loss of thousands of precious lives in these hostilities. The prime minister said that
Pakistan was engaged in sincere efforts for regional peace and it was in this spirit that the peace talks between Iran and the U.S. were being convened. While thanking Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his peace efforts, the Prime Minister of Lebanon sought Pakistan’s support for bringing an immediate end to the attacks targeting Lebanon and its people. Both leaders agreed to remain in contact.
ISLAMABAD
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Thursday held telephone conversations with the Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov to
exchange views on the evolving regional situation. The deputy prime minister expressed deep appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s steadfast support of Pakistan in its efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. Both leaders underscored the importance of continued dialogue and diplomatic engagement to advance
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, the Saudi foreign ministry said on Thursday. It marked the first official contact between the countries since Tehran launched strikes against its Gulf neighbours in retaliation for Israeli-American attacks. “During the call, they reviewed the latest developments and discussed ways to reduce tensions to restore security and stability in the region,” the Saudi ministry said. The phone call comes a day after the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Israel. Following the ceasefire, Prince Faisal also held phone calls with his counterparts from the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Türkiye, and Jordan, according to statements by the foreign ministry. Saudi Arabia welcomed the ceasefire, with its foreign ministry expressing hope that it would lead to a “comprehensive and sustainable de-escalation”. It further expressed the hope that the ceasefire would enhance regional security and halt “any aggression or policies that infringe upon the sovereignty, security and stability of the region’s countries”. As per the statement, Saudi Arabia called for an end to attacks on countries in the Gulf and stressed that the Strait of Hormuz should be opened. It also commended the “productive efforts” undertaken by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir in securing the two-week truce.
Pakistan–UK high-level meeting focuses on trade, regional stability ISLAMABAD
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DPM Dar discusses evolving regional situation with FMs of Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan staff report
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lasting peace and agreed to remain in close contact. In a separate call, Azerbaijan’s FM Bayramov commended DPM/FM and Pakistan’s leadership for its role in securing the initial ceasefire and promoting peace and stability in the region. DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued resolve and expressed hope that these efforts would lead to lasting peace.
A high-level meeting was held in Islamabad between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and The Rt Hon Edward Llewellyn, Director General Political of the United Kingdom, where both sides discussed bilateral trade, regional security, and the ongoing global energy situation. British High Commissioner Ms Jane Marriott also accompanied the DG. During the meeting, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, said a release issued here on Thursday. They reviewed progress on the Pakistan–UK Trade Dialogue and appreciated the establishment of the working group on Healthcare and Life Sciences. Both sides agreed on the need to activate working groups to enhance cooperation in IT, Agriculture, Professional Services and Education and Skills. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Jam Kamal Khan said that Pakistan is fully committed to continuing structural reforms to improve its trade environment and attract foreign investment. He noted that the government’s tariff policy and regulatory improvements are aimed at making Pakistan a more competitive and business-friendly destination. He emphasized that “consistency in policy and gradual reforms are key to building long-term investor confidence.” Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul also highlighted that the ongoing trade dialogue could serve as a strong foundation for future cooperation.
Global leaders back Pakistan's peace push as Lebanon crisis deepens ISLAMABAD
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday received widespread international backing for Pakistan’s diplomatic role in brokering a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, as regional tensions persisted with escalating Israeli strikes on Lebanon. In a key development, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani congratulated the premier during a telephone call, praising Pakistan’s successful mediation that led to the ceasefire and upcoming talks in Islamabad. Prime Minister Shehbaz, in response, lauded Qatar’s leadership for its “wisdom and restraint” amid weeks of regional instability and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with Doha. The prime minister also held a series of high-level calls with global leaders, reflecting broad diplomatic endorsement of Islamabad’s role. Emmanuel Macron, Christian Stocker, Friedrich Merz, and Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa all acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to de-escalate tensions and facilitate dialogue. During his conversation with the Bahraini monarch, Prime Minister Shehbaz appreciated Manama’s restraint despite recent hostilities and extended condolences
over the loss of lives. Both leaders agreed to continue coordinated efforts for regional peace and stability. Meanwhile, diplomatic engagement intensified at multiple levels. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a series of calls with counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, South Africa, European Union, Canada, and the United Kingdom. These discussions focused on sustaining the ceasefire, expanding it to Lebanon, and ensuring that ongoing negotiations translate into lasting peace. International partners widely praised Pakistan’s role in securing the temporary truce, while emphasising the need for its full implementation and extension. Several leaders reiterated readiness to support Islamabad’s mediation efforts and upcoming negotiations. However, even as diplomatic momentum builds, the situation on the ground remains volatile. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reached out to Prime Minister Shehbaz, seeking urgent support to halt Israeli attacks on his country. Pakistan strongly condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of international law and a threat to regional peace. Lebanon observed a national day of mourning after Israeli airstrikes killed more
than 200 people and injured over 1,000, with widespread destruction reported across Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, and southern regions. In response, the group Hezbollah launched retaliatory rocket fire towards Israel, raising fears of further escalation. The continued violence has cast a shadow over the fragile US-Iran ceasefire. While Israel maintains that its operations in Lebanon fall outside the truce, Iran and its allies reject this interpretation. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf asserted that Lebanon is an “inseparable part” of the ceasefire framework, warning of strong consequences for violations. Domestically, political leadership also rallied behind the government’s diplomatic push. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed full support for Prime Minister Shehbaz, emphasising the need for national unity at a critical juncture and praising efforts to reduce tensions and promote dialogue. As Islamabad prepares to host crucial US-Iran negotiations, Pakistan’s role as a central diplomatic facilitator continues to gain recognition. Yet, with ceasefire violations and regional flashpoints persisting, the success of these efforts will depend on whether ongoing diplomacy can translate into a durable and comprehensive peace.
Lebanon seeks Pakistan's support as Israeli strikes escalate ISLAMABAD
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Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Thursday reached out to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, seeking Islamabad’s support to bring an immediate halt to ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon, according to an official statement. During the telephone conversation, Prime Minister Shehbaz strongly condemned Israel’s continued military aggression, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of hundreds of civilian lives and widespread destruction of infrastructure. He reiterated that Pakistan remained actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to promote regional peace, including facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States. The Prime Minister’s Office said Nawaf Salam appreciated Pakistan’s ongoing peace initiatives and emphasised the urgent need for international intervention to stop attacks targeting Lebanese civil-
ians. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact as the situation evolves. In a post on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Lebanon, noting the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement to secure an immediate cessation of hostilities. Earlier, Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s actions, warning that continued strikes undermine global efforts aimed at stabilising the region. The statement described the attacks as a violation of international law and humanitarian principles, urging the international community to take urgent steps to end the aggression. Reaffirming its stance, Pakistan expressed unwavering solidarity with the Lebanese government and people, while underscoring its support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and right to peace. The escalation comes amid heightened regional tensions following the ongoing US-Iran conflict.