PM Shehbaz invites US and Iran to Islamabad for historic peace talks on April 10

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited delegations from the United States and Iran to Islamabad on April 10 to negotiate a “conclusive agreement” aimed at resolving longstanding disputes, following an immediate ceasefire reportedly reached at Pakistan’s request, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Wednesday.

In a statement shared on social media platform X, the prime minister announced that both countries, along with their allies, had agreed to an immediate ceasefire across all fronts, including Lebanon and other affected regions. He described the development as a significant step toward peace and stability.

“With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere, effective immediately,” he stated, while expressing gratitude to the leadership of both nations.

Shehbaz Sharif extended a formal invitation to both sides to participate in the Islamabad talks on April 10, expressing hope that the negotiations would lead to a lasting and comprehensive agreement. He emphasised that the parties had demonstrated wisdom and constructive engagement in advancing peace efforts.

The prime minister also expressed optimism about the outcome of the upcoming discussions, stating that Pakistan hopes the “Islamabad Talks” will succeed in achieving sustainable peace and pave the way for further positive developments.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced a two-week suspension of bombing and military actions against Iran, describing it as a bilateral ceasefire. The announcement came shortly after Pakistan’s request for de-escalation.

Trump said the decision followed his conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, adding that the suspension of attacks was conditional upon Iran agreeing to ensure the safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

The prime minister had urged the US president to allow diplomacy to take precedence by extending the timeline for two weeks, while also encouraging Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as a goodwill gesture during the same period.

The developments underscore Pakistan’s growing diplomatic role in facilitating dialogue between global powers, with Islamabad now poised to host critical negotiations that could shape the future of regional peace.