Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met United States Vice President JD Vance on Saturday following his arrival in Islamabad to participate in the high-stakes “Islamabad Talks,” aimed at achieving durable peace in the region and potentially ending the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting was attended by senior officials from both sides. The US vice president was accompanied by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and senior advisor Jared Kushner.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the commitment shown by both delegations to engage in constructive dialogue. He expressed hope that the Islamabad Talks would serve as a “stepping stone toward durable peace” in the region.
“The prime minister reiterated that Pakistan looks forward to continuing its facilitation efforts to help both sides make meaningful progress toward sustainable peace,” the statement added.
On the Pakistani side, the prime minister was assisted by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
The talks come in the backdrop of a six-week-long conflict that began on February 28 following coordinated attacks involving the United States and Israel against Iran. The war spread across the Middle East, impacting regional stability and global economic conditions.
A temporary ceasefire, brokered with Pakistan’s diplomatic involvement on April 8, has paused the fighting, creating an opportunity for negotiations aimed at a long-term resolution.
Earlier in the day, Vice President JD Vance arrived at Nur Khan Air Base in Islamabad, where he was received by senior Pakistani leadership, including Asim Munir.
The Islamabad Talks are being closely monitored worldwide, as stakeholders hope the dialogue will pave the way for a comprehensive peace agreement and reduce escalating tensions in the region.
