ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif mentioned on Tuesday that Pakistan was “prepared and honoured” to be the host to negotiations between the US and Iran because the International Workplace (FO) acknowledged that the federal government was actively pursuing diplomatic avenues to assist deliver an finish to the continuing conflict within the Center East, whereas cautioning towards media hypothesis that might undermine delicate efforts requiring discretion.
In a put up on X, the premier mentioned: “Pakistan welcomes and absolutely helps ongoing efforts to pursue dialogue to finish the conflict in Center East, within the curiosity of peace and stability in area and past. Topic to concurrence by the US and Iran, Pakistan stands prepared and honoured to be the host to facilitate significant and conclusive talks for a complete settlement of the continuing battle.”
Pakistan welcomes and absolutely helps ongoing efforts to pursue dialogue to finish the WAR in Center East, within the curiosity of peace and stability in area and past. Topic to concurrence by the US and Iran, Pakistan stands prepared and honoured to be the host to facilitate…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) March 24, 2026
Earlier, in an unique dialog with The Categorical Tribune, FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi mentioned Islamabad remained firmly dedicated to resolving the battle via dialogue and engagement, according to its longstanding overseas coverage ideas.
Nevertheless, he pressured that such efforts required confidentiality. “Diplomacy and negotiations typically require that sure issues be superior with discretion,” he famous, urging the media to chorus from hypothesis and await official bulletins.
Learn: Pakistan casts itself as chief peace dealer
Pakistan’s cautious public posture comes because it quietly emerges as a key participant in search of an finish to the escalating US-Iran battle. In line with American media experiences and officers aware of the developments, Islamabad is being positioned as a possible venue for negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
The diplomatic opening adopted US President Donald Trump asserting a short lived halt in hostilities, citing what he described as “constructive engagement” with Iran. Within the speedy aftermath, experiences advised that Pakistan, Turkiye and Egypt stepped up efforts to facilitate oblique messaging between the 2 adversaries.
In line with Axios, Islamabad is being thought-about for attainable talks involving a US delegation that will embody particular envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, alongside senior Iranian management, doubtlessly together with the parliamentary speaker. Tehran, nevertheless, has publicly rejected any suggestion of direct or oblique negotiations with Washington.
But, diplomatic exercise over the previous 24 hours signifies a flurry of behind-the-scenes engagement, suggesting in any other case.
Pakistan’s civil and navy management remained actively engaged with key stakeholders. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a phone dialog with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, reaffirming solidarity with Iran whereas urging restraint and dialogue.
Learn extra: Trump places off risk to bomb Iran energy grid as Pakistan, Turkiye, Egypt reportedly mediate to finish battle
In line with an official assertion, the prime minister prolonged Eidul Fitr and Nowruz greetings to the Iranian management and other people, whereas expressing condolences over the lack of lives within the ongoing battle. He warned of the “harmful” trajectory of hostilities within the Gulf and underscored the pressing want for collective efforts to de-escalate tensions via diplomacy.
Importantly, he pressured the necessity for unity inside the Muslim world, saying cohesion within the Ummah was “extra vital than ever” amid the unfolding disaster.
Sharing particulars of Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach, PM Shehbaz assured Tehran that Islamabad would proceed to play a constructive position in facilitating peace and stability.
In the meantime, the nation’s navy management additionally engaged Washington. A report within the Monetary Occasions mentioned Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Military Employees Area Marshal Syed Asim Munir held a phone dialog with President Trump to debate the evolving scenario.
Diplomatic sources mentioned the contacts mirrored Pakistan’s try to leverage its distinctive ties with each Tehran and Washington to create house for dialogue.
On the identical time, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and International Minister (FM) Ishaq Dar led a busy diplomatic outreach, talking individually along with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi and Turkiye’s International Minister Hakan Fidan. In each conversations, Dar emphasised dialogue and diplomacy to make sure peace and stability, with all sides agreeing to stay in shut contact.
Additionally learn: JI chief urges Pakistan to again Iran-US talks, warns towards ‘Trump deception’
These parallel engagements, involving Turkiye and Egypt as effectively, level to a coordinated however nonetheless nascent mediation effort, largely centred on backchannel messaging reasonably than a proper negotiation course of.
Whereas there was no official affirmation from Islamabad relating to internet hosting talks, sources didn’t rule out the chance, suggesting Pakistan is keen to offer a impartial venue if required.
Analysts warning, nevertheless, that regardless of the diplomatic flurry, prospects for a breakthrough stay unsure given deep distrust between Washington and Tehran and quickly evolving battlefield dynamics.
Nonetheless, Pakistan’s proactive diplomacy underscores its try to place itself as a bridge—sustaining solidarity with Iran as a neighbour whereas preserving strategic ties with the US and key Gulf companions.
Because the conflict started, Pakistan has been strolling a good diplomatic rope, in search of to keep away from being instantly embroiled within the battle regardless of its mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia. That balancing act, officers say, is exactly why Islamabad is pushing for dialogue and diplomacy.
Sources added that if Pakistan’s efforts succeed, it may quantity to a significant diplomatic coup.
