US-Iran ceasefire: Pakistan PM meets US Vice President as Islamabad talks begin

Shehbaz, Vance launch high-level talks as Pakistan backs de-escalation efforts

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US Vice President JD Vance shaking hands with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during their meeting before US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad.
US Vice President JD Vance shaking hands with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during their meeting before US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad.
AFP via Pakistan's Prime Minister Office

Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with US Vice President JD Vance, marking the opening phase of a high-level diplomatic process focused on regional stability and conflict resolution, as the Islamabad talks formally commenced.

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The US delegation includes Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while the Pakistani side is represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Senator Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi.

The visiting delegation was received upon arrival in Islamabad by senior Pakistani leadership, including Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, reflecting the significance of the discussions.

Upon arrival, the US delegation was welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, highlighting the high-level coordination surrounding the talks.

Italian-US businessman Paolo Zampolli (2nd L), a friend of US President Donald Trump and Trump's envoy for global partnerships, joins Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto (R) and other dignitaries on the red carpet to welcome US Vice President JD Vance (2nd R) and US second lady Usha Vance (L) as they arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport in Budapest, Hungary, April 7, 2026.
This handout photograph taken and released by the Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 11, 2026 shows US Vice President JD Vance (C) walking with Army Chief and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir (2L) and Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar (2R) after arriving for the US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad.
US Vice President JD Vance (2R) shakes hands with a Pakistani official as Army Chief and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir (L) and Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar (R) watche upon his arrival for the US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad on April 11, 2026.
US Vice President JD Vance (2R) receives a bouquet after arriving for the US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad on April 11, 2026.
US Vice President JD Vance (C) walks with Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshall Asim Munir (L) and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar after arriving for talks with Iranian officials in Islamabad on April 11, 2026.
US Vice President JD Vance (C) walks with Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshall Asim Munir (L) and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar after arriving for talks with Iranian officials in Islamabad on April 11, 2026.
US Vice President JD Vance, second right, talks with, from left, Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshall Asim Munir, Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi, and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar after arriving for talks with Iranian officials in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Leaders welcome constructive engagement

During the meeting, PM Shehbaz Sharif commended both delegations for their constructive engagement and expressed hope that the talks would pave the way for durable peace in the region.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating dialogue and supporting sustained diplomatic efforts aimed at long-term regional stability.

Pakistan reaffirms diplomatic role

PM Sharif also emphasised that Pakistan continues to support de-escalation and cooperative engagement, noting that the Islamabad talks could serve as a stepping stone toward a comprehensive and lasting resolution of ongoing tensions.

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