Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has publicly declared Pakistan’s willingness to serve as a neutral venue for peace negotiations between the United States and Iran, aiming to bring an end to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. This announcement underscores Islamabad’s commitment to promoting dialogue and diplomatic solutions in a region fraught with tension and violence.
In a statement shared on the social media platform X, the Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan fully supports all ongoing efforts to initiate meaningful discussions that could lead to a peaceful resolution of the hostilities. He highlighted that, contingent upon the agreement of both Washington and Tehran, Pakistan stands ready and honored to host talks that could pave the way for a comprehensive settlement of the crisis.
This development follows recent remarks by former US President Donald Trump, who revealed that the United States and Iran have engaged in “very good and productive” conversations aimed at achieving a “complete and total resolution of hostilities in the Middle East.” Trump noted that these discussions began on Sunday and extended into Monday, involving key figures such as Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, his son-in-law. His comments, made on the Truth Social platform, have raised hopes for a breakthrough in a conflict that has destabilized the region for months.
Adding further context, the Financial Times reported that Pakistan is actively positioning itself as a leading mediator in efforts to end the ongoing war involving the US and Israel against Iran. The report highlighted a recent phone call between Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Donald Trump, underscoring Islamabad’s strategic role in back-channel communications. Senior Pakistani officials have been instrumental in relaying messages between Tehran and US representatives, including Witkoff and Kushner, in a bid to de-escalate tensions.
Over the past two days, Pakistan, working closely with Turkey and Egypt, has played a crucial role in behind-the-scenes diplomacy. This trilateral coordination has been vital in maintaining lines of communication between the conflicting parties, aiming to prevent further escalation and preserve regional stability. The efforts reflect Pakistan’s broader foreign policy approach, which prioritizes peaceful conflict resolution and regional harmony.
Meanwhile, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi reiterated Islamabad’s readiness to host the talks, stating on a US news broadcast that Pakistan is prepared to facilitate discussions if both the United States and Iran consent. In a separate interview with a local news outlet, Andrabi reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to resolving the conflict through diplomatic engagement, consistent with its longstanding principles. He emphasized that Pakistan remains committed to supporting peaceful dialogue as the most viable path forward.
The ongoing conflict, which erupted on February 28 following military actions by the US and Israel against Iran, has resulted in the tragic loss of over 2,000 lives. Beyond the human toll, the war has severely disrupted global markets, caused fuel prices to surge, intensified fears of inflation worldwide, and shaken the cohesion of Western defense alliances. Against this backdrop, Pakistan’s offer to host peace talks represents a significant diplomatic initiative aimed at restoring calm and fostering a sustainable resolution.
