ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to host high-stakes negotiations between the United States and Iran this weekend, as a two-week ceasefire — brokered through Islamabad’s intensive diplomatic efforts — entered its second day on Thursday.
Delegations are expected to arrive in Islamabad on Friday, with formal negotiations scheduled for Saturday.
The talks mark a pivotal moment in efforts to de-escalate a conflict that had threatened to engulf the wider Middle East, with Pakistan now positioned at the centre of global diplomacy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that delegations from Washington and Tehran will arrive in Islamabad following the breakthrough ceasefire, which he described as a result of sustained engagement by Pakistan’s civil and military leadership.
Sharif, speaking at a federal cabinet meeting, said the aim is to “further negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes”.
High-Level US Delegation Led by Vice President JD Vance
The United States delegation will be led by Vice President JD Vance, underscoring the significance Washington attaches to the Islamabad talks.
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the delegation will also include Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner.
“The first round of those talks will take place on Saturday morning local time, and we look forward to those in-person meetings,” Leavitt said during a press briefing.
She emphasised Vance’s central role in the diplomatic process:
“Vice President Vance has played a very significant and key role in this since the very beginning… he’s been involved in all of these discussions and will be leading this new phase of negotiations in Islamabad.”
Reuters quoted US Vice President JD Vance as saying: “The president of the United States has told me, and he’s told the entire negotiating team, the secretary of state, the special envoy Steve Witkoff — he said, go and work in good faith to come to an agreement.”
He added, “He’s impatient. He’s impatient to make progress. He has told us to negotiate in good faith, and I think if they negotiate in good faith, we will be able to find a deal. But that’s a big if, and ultimately it’s up to the Iranians how they negotiate. I hope they make the right decision.”
Pakistan has declared April 9 and 10 public holidays in Islamabad, alongside heightened security measures and restricted access zones, to facilitate the talks.
Pakistan and Iran Delegations Confirmed
Pakistani government sources said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will represent Pakistan in the negotiations.
Iran is expected to be represented by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, signalling Tehran’s serious engagement in what is being seen as a decisive diplomatic opening.
Ceasefire Brokered by Pakistan
The negotiations follow a critical breakthrough earlier this week, when both the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire just hours before a major escalation deadline.
The agreement came after direct engagement between Pakistan’s leadership — including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir — and senior officials in Washington and Tehran.
US President Donald Trump announced a suspension of military action after accepting Pakistan’s proposal for a pause in hostilities.
“I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks. This will be a double-sided ceasefire,” Trump said.
Iran swiftly issued a reciprocal confirmation, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledging Pakistan’s role and signalling readiness for negotiations.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Role Wins Global Recognition
In recent weeks, Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary, maintaining open communication channels with both sides and helping bridge deep mistrust through sustained diplomacy.
Its efforts have drawn widespread international praise, including from global leaders and the United Nations, for preventing further escalation in a region critical to global energy routes.
“We earnestly hope that the ‘Islamabad Talks’ succeed in achieving sustainable peace,” Sharif said, expressing optimism about further progress.
