ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke over the phone with the President of the European Council, António Costa, and discussed the current situation in the Middle East.
“The Prime Minister shared with President Costa the latest updates on Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach and peace efforts,” a PM House statement said on Monday.
ISLAMABAD: 20 April 2026.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call this evening from H.E. António Costa, President of the European Council.
During their cordial conversation, the two leaders exchanged views on the current situation in the Middle East.… pic.twitter.com/bNnqILfE1x
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) April 20, 2026
President Costa expressed strong appreciation for Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting dialogue and regional stability, noting that the EU stands ready to support these efforts in every possible way.
Both leaders emphasised the importance of continued dialogue and diplomacy to ensure lasting regional and global security, and agreed to remain in close contact going forward.
I received a call from H.E. António Costa, President of the European Council, this evening.
During our cordial exchange, I shared with President Costa, updates on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach and peace efforts in the Middle East.
Grateful for the European Union’s…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 20, 2026
Second round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad
Pakistan is set to host a second round of high-stakes talks between the US and Iran this week.
The talks, scheduled in Islamabad, follow an initial round that kept diplomatic channels open amid ongoing tensions.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts have focused on Islamabad, where a second round of US–Iran talks is scheduled to commence as the US negotiation team is set to land today.
The US and Iran have privately assured participation in a second round of talks in Islamabad, despite public posturing and mixed signals from Tehran.
Security analysts in Islamabad said discussions are expected to focus on extending the ceasefire and moving towards a more comprehensive settlement.
Real opportunity for peace
Pakistan, which brokered the initial 14-day truce earlier this month, continues to position itself as an “honest broker”, facilitating communication between the two sides.
The first round of talks helped establish rare direct channels between Washington and Tehran, laying the groundwork for continued engagement despite ongoing tensions.
Security analysts said progress so far, combined with intensified diplomatic outreach, offers a realistic opportunity to sustain dialogue and prevent escalation.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also remained actively engaged, holding discussions with regional leaders and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to build support for the peace process.
