Pakistan and the United Kingdom have jointly called for “lasting peace” in the Middle East as high-stakes direct talks between the United States and Iran are set to begin in Islamabad on Saturday.
The appeal came during a phone conversation on Friday between Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, at a time when global attention is focused on the diplomatic breakthrough that has brought both sides of a prolonged conflict to the negotiating table.
According to a statement issued by the Pakistani Prime Minister’s Office, both leaders stressed the need to ensure that the current ceasefire remains intact and serves as a foundation for a broader and more durable peace arrangement in the region.
They emphasized the importance of creating “the necessary conditions for lasting peace and stability” in a region that has been severely destabilized by weeks of intense military confrontation.
During the call, Starmer reportedly praised Pakistan’s diplomatic role in facilitating the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, describing Islamabad’s efforts as “effective” in helping bring about the temporary truce and enabling the resumption of dialogue.
The British Prime Minister also welcomed the upcoming negotiations, expressing hope that the talks would contribute meaningfully to de-escalation and long-term stability. According to the statement, Starmer “deeply appreciated” Pakistan’s mediation efforts in helping secure the ceasefire and bringing both parties to the negotiating table.
The discussion comes at a critical moment, as Islamabad prepares to host what is being described as the most significant direct engagement between the United States and Iran since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. The talks follow a two-week ceasefire agreement announced earlier this week after Pakistan, along with other regional partners, helped broker an end to 39 days of hostilities that began with US-Israeli military operations against Iran on February 28.
The conflict, which quickly escalated across multiple fronts, has had far-reaching consequences across the Middle East, disrupting energy supplies, trade routes, and civilian life. According to figures cited from the period of fighting, more than 3,000 Iranians were killed during the hostilities, alongside casualties reported among US military personnel, including at least 13 servicemen.
The violence, which halted early Wednesday following the ceasefire announcement, also triggered widespread concern over regional security, particularly around critical maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is considered one of the most strategically important shipping lanes in the world, carrying a significant portion of global oil and gas supplies.
While the ceasefire has temporarily halted large-scale military operations, tensions remain high, with both sides maintaining firm positions ahead of the talks. The United States has indicated that it expects Iran to address concerns related to its regional military activities and nuclear program, while Iran has insisted on guarantees against future strikes, sanctions relief, and recognition of its security interests.
Pakistan’s role as host and mediator has placed it at the center of an intense diplomatic effort involving multiple global and regional powers, including Türkiye, China, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, all of which contributed to the ceasefire arrangement.
The upcoming negotiations in Islamabad are expected to involve senior delegations from both countries. US Vice President JD Vance is leading the American delegation, accompanied by senior officials including special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner. On the Iranian side, officials are expected to be led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, alongside Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
As the talks approach, international stakeholders have expressed cautious optimism that diplomacy may succeed where military action has deepened instability. However, analysts warn that the negotiations will be complex and could face significant obstacles given the deep mistrust between both sides.
Despite these challenges, the joint message from Pakistan and the United Kingdom reflects a growing international consensus that sustained dialogue remains the only viable path toward ending the crisis and restoring stability to the region.
