ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday received a telephone call from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, during which the two leaders discussed Islamabad’s role in securing a ceasefire and mediating recent US–Iran talks in Islamabad.
During their warm and cordial conversation, the Canadian Prime Minister congratulated PM Sharif on Pakistan’s peace efforts to end the US-Iran conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Office said in a statement.
While appreciating Canada’s endorsement and support for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, Prime Minister Sharif highlighted that the US-Iran negotiations were an important step towards peace.
PM Sharif assured that Pakistan would continue its diplomatic efforts for peace and urge Washington and Tehran to maintain the ceasefire and make meaningful progress towards de-escalation and regional peace and stability.
The two leaders also exchanged views on Pakistan-Canada bilateral relations and expressed their desire to work together to enhance cooperation in agriculture, clean energy, mines and minerals as well as enhancing Canadian investments in Pakistan.
During the telephone conversation, Prime Minister Sharif reiterated his invitation to the Canadian Prime Minister to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his convenience.
Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination.
Islamabad: 13 April 2026.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney this evening.
During their warm and cordial conversation, the Canadian Prime Minister congratulated Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on… pic.twitter.com/bNfiQvwp20
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) April 13, 2026
Pakistan continues ‘full efforts’
Pakistan emerged as a key mediator in the US-Iran war after PM Sharif mediated a two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran on April 8.
Delegations from Washington and Tehran then arrived in Islamabad and held negotiations for over 20 hours at PM Sharif’s invitation over the last weekend. However, the negotiations could not result in a final agreement despite progress.
Earlier today, in a televised address to the federal cabinet, Prime Minister Sharif said that Islamabad remains fully engaged in diplomatic efforts to resolve issues between the US and Iran.
“Today, the ceasefire still stands. As I am talking to you, matters that are not resolved, full efforts are underway to resolve them,” PM Sharif said in a televised address to the federal cabinet.
The prime minister said Pakistan played an important role in bringing the two sides to the table after nearly five decades, describing the engagement as the first direct, face-to-face dialogue at such a level.
“It was the first time that the two delegations sat face-to-face. I am a witness to it,” he said, adding that discussions continued for 21 hours.
Prime Minister Sharif said Pakistan’s political and military leadership worked tirelessly to facilitate the talks and expressed gratitude to both countries for accepting Islamabad’s invitation.
Calling the engagement a “historic moment”, PM Sharif said the Islamabad Talks offered an opportunity to transform rising tensions into lasting peace.
“If you look through history — take the Oslo Agreement, the Geneva Accord, the Good Friday Agreement — it took months and sometimes years to end hostilities,” he said.
He added that Pakistan’s efforts had helped sustain the ceasefire, while work continued to bridge remaining differences.
PM Sharif also said Pakistan’s mediation came at a critical time when the global economy was under strain due to the conflict, allowing Islamabad to contribute positively to regional stability.
اسلام آباد: 13 اپریل 2026۔
وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف نے خطے میں کشیدگی کے پیش نظر ملک میں پٹرولیم مصنوعات کے ذخائر کے حوالے سے جائزہ اجلاس کی صدارت کی. وزیراعظم نے ملک میں تیل کی کھپت کی مستقل نگرانی جاری رکھنے کی ہدایت کی.
اجلاس سے گفتگو کرتے ہوئے وزیرِ اعظم نے کہا کہ تیل کی… pic.twitter.com/y9U5oW4JWJ
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) April 13, 2026
US-Iran talks in Islamabad
Pakistan-mediated talks between the US and Iran concluded in Islamabad on Sunday after more than 21 hours of intensive negotiations, with all sides signalling that diplomatic engagement would continue.
Following the talks, Pakistan urged both countries to maintain a “positive spirit” and uphold the ceasefire.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to facilitating dialogue, stressing that diplomacy must continue despite the absence of a breakthrough.
“We hope that the two sides continue with the positive spirit to achieve durable peace and prosperity for the entire region and beyond,” Dar said, adding that adherence to the ceasefire remained critical.
He said Pakistan would remain actively engaged in supporting future negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
‘Final and best offer’
US Vice President JD Vance said the talks were substantive but fell short of an agreement.
“We’ve made very clear what our red lines are… and they have chosen not to accept our terms,” he told reporters in Islamabad.
Vance said Washington had presented what it described as a “final and best offer” and would await Iran’s response.
He reiterated that the US objective remained ensuring that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons or the capability to rapidly acquire them.
“We need to see an affirmative commitment… not just now, but for the long term,” he said.
Iran emphasises ‘good faith’
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf struck a cautiously constructive tone following the talks, saying Tehran had entered negotiations in good faith but remained sceptical due to past experiences.
“Before the negotiations, I emphasised that we have the necessary good faith and will, but… we have no trust in the opposing side,” he said in posts on X.
He said Iranian officials had presented forward-looking proposals.
Ghalibaf also expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s role in facilitating the engagement, thanking the country for its efforts.
