ISLAMABAD – Pakistan yesterday expressed cautious optimism over the prospects of regional peace, with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar emphasizing the need for sustained dialogue between the United States and Iran following the conclusion of high-level talks in Islamabad.
Announcing the end of the ‘Islamabad Talks,’ Dar underscored that both sides must maintain their commitment to the ceasefire, describing it as a critical foundation for achieving long-term stability. “We hope that the two sides continue with the positive spirit to achieve durable peace and prosperity for the entire region and beyond,” he said at a presser. “It is imperative that the parties continue to uphold their commitment to ceasefire.”
The DPM said Pakistan played an active mediatory role during the negotiations, with himself and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir facilitating several rounds of what he described as “intense and constructive” discussions between the two sides.
The negotiations, he noted, continued over the past 24 hours and concluded on Sunday morning.
Reaffirming Islamabad’s diplomatic stance, Dar said that Pakistan would continue to support efforts aimed at fostering engagement between Washington and Tehran.
He stressed that dialogue remains the only viable path forward to de-escalate tensions and build trust between the parties.
Dar also acknowledged the role of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in initiating the peace effort, noting that both the United States and Iran responded positively to his call for an immediate ceasefire and accepted his invitation to hold talks in Islamabad.
He said the US delegation was led by Vice President J D Vance, while Iran was represented by Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf. Their participation, he said, reflected a shared willingness to engage despite prevailing tensions.
Expressing appreciation for both sides, Dar thanked the delegations for acknowledging Pakistan’s efforts in facilitating the ceasefire and its broader mediatory role.
“On behalf of Pakistan, I would like to express gratitude to the two sides for appreciating Pakistan’s efforts to help achieve the ceasefire and its mediatory role,” he added.
