ISLAMABAD: As the dialogue sessions in Islamabad kicked off, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, the Prime Minister’s Office announced on Saturday.
Vance was accompanied by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, former Advisor to President Trump.Prime Minister Shehbaz was assisted by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi. During the meeting, the prime minister praised the efforts of the US and Iran towards constructive engagement and expressed hope that the ongoing talks would pave the way for a durable peace in the region.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating progress between involved parties and fostering sustainable regional stability.
Earlier, JD Vance arrived in Pakistan to participate in negotiations with Iran. Heading a high-level U.S. delegation, which includes Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, Vance was warmly received upon arrival by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Naqvi. Acting US Ambassador Natalie A. Baker was also present.
In his welcoming remarks, Dar acknowledged the U.S. commitment to regional and global peace and stability, and expressed hope for constructive engagement from all sides. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s willingness to support efforts aimed at resolving ongoing conflicts peacefully.
Iran’s delegation, comprising over 70 officials, also arrived in Islamabad late Friday at Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s invitation to participate in talks focused on ending tensions with the United States and Israel.
These significant negotiations are taking place amid a 15-day ceasefire, reportedly brokered by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Syed Asim Munir, signaling a concerted effort to find a lasting resolution to the conflicts.
