ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Austria have urged all sides involved in the Middle East conflict to uphold the ceasefire for lasting peace and stability in the region as Islamabad is set to host the high-stakes talks between the US and Iran this weekend.
Federal Chancellor of Austria, Christian Stocker, held a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday, a PM office statement said.
Islamabad : 9 April, 2026
Austrian Chancellor calls the Prime Minister.
Federal Chancellor of Austria, H.E. Christian Stocker, held a most warm telephone conversation with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, earlier today.
While fondly recalling their recent meeting… pic.twitter.com/2e7o8lvJLT
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) April 9, 2026
“While fondly recalling their recent meeting during his official visit to Vienna in February this year, the Prime Minister appreciated the Austrian Chancellor’s strong message of endorsement and support for Pakistan’s efforts that have led to the US-Iran ceasefire, as well as ensuring resumption of negotiations between the two sides,” it said.
Both leaders stressed the importance of ensuring that the ceasefire be upheld by all sides, thereby strengthening the prospects of successful negotiations that could bring lasting peace and stability to the region and beyond.
Had a most warm and cordial conversation with my friend Chancellor Christian Stocker of Austria today.
Fondly recalled our meeting in Vienna and appreciated his strong endorsement of Pakistan’s sincere efforts that helped secure the Iran–U.S. ceasefire and brought both sides…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 9, 2026
Pakistan prepares to host US–Iran talks
Pakistan is set to host high-stakes negotiations between the US 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.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said that delegations from Washington and Tehran will arrive in Islamabad for talks.
PM Sharif said the aim is to “further negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes”.
