Business Recorder
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday praised United States President Donald Trump for his “extraordinary efforts” to promote peace in the region and expressed hope that Pakistan would host the next round of Iran-US peace talks. In a post on X, the prime minister congratulated Trump for holding what he described as a “very useful and productive” telephone conversation on Saturday with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Pakistan. Sharif also appreciated Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for representing Pakistan during the call with Trump and acknowledged his “tireless efforts” throughout the peace process. “The discussions provided a useful opportunity to exchange views on the current regional situation and how to move the ongoing peace efforts forward to bring lasting peace in the region,” the prime minister said. He added that Pakistan would continue its efforts with sincerity and hoped to host the next round of talks soon. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also commended President Trump’s leadership and commitment to diplomacy, saying the discussions marked “a significant step closer toward the shared objective of regional peace, stability and an early diplomatic outcome”. In a statement on X, Dar praised the role of the US administration, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner, for their continued engagement in the process. He also acknowledged the constructive role played by the Iranian leadership, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf. Dar further lauded Prime Minister Sharif’s “visionary leadership” and Field Marshal Munir’s “central role throughout this sensitive and consequential process”. He also praised the efforts of United Nations chief Antonio Guterres as well as “our brotherly regional partners and all other countries, with whom I remained closely engaged throughout this process”. Dar said that Pakistan remains firmly committed to supporting all sincere efforts aimed at lasting peace, mutual respect, and regional stability. “The achievements of these negotiations offer grounds for optimism that a positive and durable outcome is within reach InshaAllah”, he said, adding that dialogue and diplomacy must prevail over conflict and confrontation for the collective prosperity and security of our region and beyond. The first phase of direct negotiations between the United States (US) and Iran took place in Islamabad on April 11 and 12 after Pakistan facilitated a ceasefire on April 8. The discussions, however, ended without any breakthrough agreement. Since then, Pakistan has increased its diplomatic engagement to help ease tensions between Washington and Tehran. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Saturday concluded a high-level visit to Tehran, where he held detailed talks with the Iranian leadership. In Tehran, he conducted intensive negotiations with the Iranian leadership that resulted in “encouraging progress towards a final understanding”, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also travelled to Iran for the second time within a week as part of efforts to revive the stalled negotiations. During his visit, he met with the Iranian president, parliament speaker and foreign minister. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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