ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have expressed hope that peace would return to the Middle East through the upcoming high-stakes Islamabad Talks between the United States and Iran, following a ceasefire brokered by Pakistan.
They expressed the remarks during a phone call on Thursday, according to a statement issued by the Pakistan PM’s office.
During their conversation, the German Chancellor commended Prime Minister Sharif for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, which helped secure a ceasefire between Iran and the United States and paved the way for negotiations scheduled to take place in Islamabad this week.
Islamabad : 9 April, 2026
Prime Minister’s telephone call with Chancellor of Germany.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from His Excellency Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, today.
During their warm and cordial… pic.twitter.com/bIvPTzXVt2
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) April 9, 2026
Expressing his gratitude for Germany’s support of Pakistan’s sincere and constructive mediation, PM Sharif underscored the importance of sustaining the ceasefire to ensure that the upcoming talks lead to meaningful and successful outcomes.
“Both leaders also expressed serious concern over the ongoing hostilities in Lebanon, and hoped that peace returns to the entire region, through the upcoming negotiations,” the statement said.
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”.
