Pakistan is set to host the US-Iran peace talks today, following a two-week Pakistan-brokered ceasefire, bringing a pause in the hostilities which broke out on February 28.
Addressing the nation late on Friday night, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the Iranian and United States leadership for accepting his offer and agreeing not only to a temporary ceasefire but also coming to Islamabad on his invitation, where he said dialogues would be held to establish peace.
The prime minister said he was speaking “at such a historic moment when, by the grace of Allah, there is talk of peace in the Middle East instead of war,” and that parties which “were until yesterday facing each other in war, and the region presenting a scene of devastation, are now ready to resolve the crisis through talks.”
He categorically thanked Field Marshal Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for playing a key and historic role in extinguishing the flames of war and persuading the parties to agree to negotiations. “In this regard, Field Marshal Asim Munir’s services will be remembered in history in golden words,” he added.
The prime minister said that a temporary ceasefire had been announced, but a more difficult phase now lay ahead – a lasting ceasefire and resolving the outstanding issues through negotiations – calling it a “make or break” situation. He appealed to the public to pray that Allah, in His infinite mercy, may make these negotiations successful, saying this would save many innocent lives and help establish peace in the world.
He added that the leadership of both countries would be present in Islamabad the following day, and that the Pakistani leadership would make every possible sincere effort to ensure the success of the talks, leaving the outcome to Allah Almighty.
“For this purpose, the leadership of both countries will be present in Islamabad the following day, and the Pakistani leadership will make every possible sincere effort to ensure the success of these talks,” he said, while adding that the outcome of the talks is left to Allah Almighty.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said airlines have been instructed to allow visa-free boarding for individuals travelling to the country in connection with the US-Iran talks in Islamabad.
In a post shared on X, Dar shared an official directive and said, “Airlines are requested to permit boarding to all such individuals without visa. Immigration authorities in Pakistan will issue them visa on arrival”.
Dar extended his welcome to “all delegates, including journalists from participating nations, travelling in relation to Islamabad Talks 2026″.
Later, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi clarified that visa-on-arrival facility, extended for the duration of the talks, does not cover third-country nationals,” he said.
Starmer praises Pakistan role
Meanwhile, Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, His Excellency Keir Starmer, on Friday.
Starmer deeply appreciated Pakistan’s effective diplomatic efforts in facilitating the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, and the resumption of dialogue. He felicitated Shehbaz Sharif on hosting the peace negotiations in Islamabad and offered his best wishes for the success of this endeavor.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s sincere commitment to regional peace and stability, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the joint statement issued by key European and international leaders, including Prime Minister Starmer, endorsing Pakistan’s peace initiatives.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of ensuring that the ceasefire remains in place and creates the necessary conditions for lasting peace and stability in the region.
The two leaders agreed to work together to lend fresh impetus to the longstanding friendly ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, across all spheres of mutual interest.
Saudi finmin calls on PM Shehbaz
Separately, Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, who was on a one-day visit to Islamabad called on Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir also attended the meeting.
Welcoming the Saudi dignitary, the prime minister conveyed his respectful regards to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The prime minister fondly recalled his recent warm and cordial telephone conversation with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. He expressed appreciation for the Crown Prince’s deep affection towards Pakistan as well as for the Kingdom’s longstanding economic and financial support to Pakistan over the year’s that had played a vital role in Pakistan’s economic stability.
He reiterated that the people and the government of Pakistan had always stood shoulder to shoulder with their Saudi brothers and sisters at all times, and this was an abiding bond between both countries, that had grown stronger under the patronage of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.
The prime minister emphasized Pakistan’s strong commitment to expanding its cooperation with the Kingdom in all spheres, particularly in trade, investment, and economic development.
The Saudi finance minister thanked the prime minister and reaffirmed the resolve of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to further strengthen the longstanding deep-rooted fraternal bonds between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, as envisioned by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.