ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Thursday expressed their serious concern over the ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon.
During a phone call, they agreed on the need for coordinated international efforts to prevent further escalation, so as to pave the way for lasting peace and stability in the region, a PM house statement said.
“Appreciating Pakistan’s successful diplomatic efforts for the US-Iran ceasefire and resumption of dialogue, Prime Minister Meloni felicitated the Prime Minister on hosting the forthcoming peace negotiations between the US and Iran, in Islamabad,” it said.
Islamabad : 9 April 2026
Prime Minister’s Telephone Call with the Prime Minister of Italy.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from the Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, Her Excellency Giorgia Meloni, today.
Appreciating Pakistan’s… pic.twitter.com/yUTnvmWi2e
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) April 9, 2026
Emphasising Pakistan’s genuine and sincere commitment to peace and regional stability, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the joint statement issued by key European and international leaders, including Prime Minister Meloni, in support of Pakistan’s peace efforts.
Earlier, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered his ministers to begin direct talks with Lebanon amid mounting concern that its ongoing strikes could threaten Pakistan-brokered US-Iran truce.
At least 203 people were killed and 1,000 wounded in the bombardment on Wednesday, the Lebanese health ministry said.
Brussels, Moscow and Ankara have demanded that the US-Iran ceasefire be extended to Lebanon.
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”.
