ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday underscored the need for all parties to fully respect and implement the ceasefire between the US, its allies, and Iran to end the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
Dar held a telephone conversation with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and discussed developments following the recent Pakistan-mediated US–Iran talks in Islamabad, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said.
The Pakistani and UK top diplomats also discussed broader regional developments.
During their conversation, the UK Foreign Secretary appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the region.
Ishaq Dar underscored the need for all parties to fully respect and implement the ceasefire.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued commitment to advancing dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable means to address regional challenges and foster lasting peace.
DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephone conversation today with the UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper @YvetteCooperMP.
They exchanged views on the recently held direct U.S.-Iran negotiations at the Islamabad Talks, as well as broader regional… pic.twitter.com/v7Ds4UL7ht
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 13, 2026
Pakistan emerged as a key mediator in the US-Iran war after Prime Minister Shehbaz 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.
Pakistan continues ‘full efforts’
Earlier today, in a televised address to the federal cabinet, Prime Minister Shehbaz 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.
China reaffirms support for Pakistan’s efforts
Earlier today, Pakistan’s Deputy PM Dar held a telephone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during which Beijing reaffirmed its continued support for Islamabad’s “constructive” diplomatic efforts to resolve the US–Iran conflict.
The two leaders exchanged views on the recently concluded Islamabad Talks between the United States and Iran, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi appreciated Pakistan’s “dedicated” efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
Wang reaffirmed Beijing’s continued support for Pakistan’s “constructive” diplomatic role to end the conflict.
Dar reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to advancing dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred means to restore peace in the region.
Emphasising that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path forward, both leaders discussed the Pakistan–China Five-Point Peace Initiative aimed at facilitating the peaceful resolution of issues.
They agreed to remain in close contact as Pakistan intensified diplomatic efforts to resume dialogue after the high-stakes Islamabad Talks over the weekend.
