Pakistan PM holds separate talks with Vance, Iranian delegation ahead of landmark negotiations

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met separately with US Vice President JD Vance and the Iranian delegation in Islamabad on Saturday, hours before the start of direct talks aimed at ending the conflict that erupted on 28 February. Sharif commended both sides for their commitment to engage constructively and expressed hope that the negotiations would serve as a “stepping stone toward durable peace in the region,” his office said. He reiterated that Pakistan looks forward to continuing its facilitation role in making progress toward sustainable peace.

Separate Meetings, Shared Goals

Sharif first met the Iranian team, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, before holding talks with Vance, accompanied by special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi joined the meeting with the US side. No official statement was issued about the Iranian meeting. The Iranian delegation arrived in Islamabad before Air Force Two carrying Vance landed.

A Delicate Ceasefire

Pakistan secured a two‑week ceasefire between the warring parties on Wednesday, paving the way for the “Islamabad Talks” – the most significant US‑Iran negotiations since 1979. Nearly 3,000 Iranians have been killed in the conflict, according to Iranian health authorities, while at least 13 US servicemen have also died and dozens have been wounded. The talks are expected to be held in both direct and indirect formats, with the first session scheduled for around 3 pm local time (10:00 GMT).