Pakistan's capital awaits US, Iran delegations for Islamabad Talks

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's capital is set to host delegations from Iran and the United States for Islamabad Talks after a ceasefire between the two countries was reached on Wednesday. 

Iran's ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, had earlier said in a post on X on Thursday, "Despite skepticism of Iranian public opinion due to repeated ceasefire violations by Israeli regime to sabotage the diplomatic initiative, invited by Hon. PM Shehbaz Sharif, Iranian delegation arrives tonight in Islamabad for serious talks based on 10 points proposed by Iran." However, the post was later deleted.

Pakistan minister, US envoy finalize arrangements

Pakistan is gearing up for a significant round of diplomatic engagements as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker met in Islamabad on Thursday to review preparations for high-level talks scheduled to take place tomorrow (Friday), state-run APP reported.

During the meeting at the Ministry of Interior, the two sides held an extensive discussion on the evolving situation in the Middle East. 

They welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement, terming it a positive development for regional stability. 

'Sincere and constructive role'

Baker acknowledged Pakistan’s active diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation, praising Islamabad’s “sincere and constructive role” in supporting peace initiatives.

A key focus of the meeting was the finalization of arrangements for Wednesday’s high-level talks, which are expected to draw significant international attention. 

Minister Naqvi briefed the US envoy on the comprehensive security and coordination plan devised to facilitate the visit of senior American officials.

He confirmed that US Vice President JD Vance, businessman Steve Witkoff, and senior advisor Jared Kushner will attend the discussions as special guests. 

Foolproof security 

Naqvi assured that foolproof security measures are in place to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of all meetings and movements.

The meeting underscored the continuing cooperation between Pakistan and the United States, particularly in areas of regional security and diplomatic coordination. 

Both sides expressed optimism that the upcoming engagements in Islamabad would help strengthen bilateral ties and contribute to broader regional stability.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia stress for full implementation of ceasefire

Earlier on Thursday, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia's foreign ministers stressed the "urgent need" for the full implementation of the US-Iran ceasefire to ensure lasting peace and stability.  

Pakistan's DPM/FM, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, spoke late last night with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on the latest regional developments, a post on X by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday.

Both expressed deep concern over ceasefire violations in Lebanon and stressed the urgent need for full respect and implementation of the ceasefire to ensure lasting peace and stability, the post said.

The DPM/FM appreciated Saudi Arabia’s continued support for Pakistan’s efforts toward achieving lasting peace. 

Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact, it said.

Fragile ceasefire 

A fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran entered its second day on Thursday, as Pakistan prepared to host high-stakes negotiations in Islamabad even as Israeli strikes in Lebanon intensified, killing over 250.

The two-week ceasefire, brokered through Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement, has shifted focus toward the upcoming “Islamabad Talks,” where delegations from Washington and Tehran are expected to pursue a broader agreement aimed at ending the conflict.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged restraint as tensions persisted on the ground.

Historic peace talks 

“I earnestly and sincerely urge all parties to exercise restraint and respect the ceasefire for two weeks… so that diplomacy can take a lead role,” he said in a post on X.

Despite the truce, violence continued to flare across the region.

In Lebanon, Israeli strikes killed more than 250 people and wounded over 1,000, according to local authorities, marking one of the deadliest days since the conflict expanded.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam declared a national day of mourning, condemning attacks on “hundreds of innocent, defenseless civilians.”

“The United Nations strongly condemns the strikes by Israel across Lebanon that resulted in significant civilian casualties,” said UN spokesman Farhan Haq.

Pakistanis hail Iran-US mediation 

The developments come as Washington maintains that operations in Lebanon fall outside the scope of the ceasefire.

US Vice President JD Vance, who is set to lead the American delegation to Islamabad on Saturday, said: “If Iran wants to let this negotiation fall apart… over Lebanon… that’s ultimately their choice.”

Tehran, however, has indicated that continued strikes risk undermining the broader diplomatic process, highlighting the fragile balance between ongoing hostilities and emerging negotiations.

The White House has confirmed that a US delegation led by Vance will travel to Islamabad for the first round of talks, alongside senior officials, while Iran has also agreed to send a negotiating team.

Pakistan has intensified diplomatic outreach ahead of the talks, positioning Islamabad as a central venue for efforts to convert the ceasefire into a lasting peace framework.

Sharif said he had received support from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for Pakistan’s mediation efforts.

Pakistan's role 'indispensable': Victor Gao 

“We shall continue to work tirelessly with our friends and partners… in our common quest for securing lasting peace in the region,” he said.

International leaders have also backed the ceasefire, while warning of risks to its sustainability.

French President Emmanuel Macron described the decision as “the best possible one,” stressing that it must lead to “comprehensive negotiations” for lasting peace.