Pakistan, China discuss Iran-US talks as ceasefire holds after Islamabad meeting

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday, discussing the recently concluded Islamabad Talks and direct negotiations between the United States and Iran.

During the call, Wang congratulated Pakistan on its “proactive and dedicated efforts to promote peace and stability in the region,” according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office. He reaffirmed China’s continued support for Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic role in facilitating dialogue.

The weekend’s Islamabad Talks – which ended without a peace deal – marked the first direct, face-to-face negotiations between the United States and Iran at the highest level since Iranian Revolution, a gap of 47 years.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said a ceasefire between the United States and Iran was “holding” and that efforts were underway to resolve outstanding issues after the talks failed to produce a full agreement.

“The ceasefire is still holding and, as I speak, full efforts are underway to resolve the outstanding issues,” Sharif said during a cabinet meeting in brief televised remarks.

In his call with Wang, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to advancing dialogue and diplomacy as the primary means of restoring regional peace. He emphasized that peaceful engagement remains the only viable path forward.

The two leaders also reviewed the Pakistan-China five-point peace initiative, aimed at encouraging the peaceful resolution of ongoing conflicts and tensions. Both sides agreed to maintain close contact and coordination on regional and international issues.

Earlier in the day, Dar met Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong to discuss recent regional developments following the Islamabad Talks.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed the evolving situation after the direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran, facilitated in Islamabad.

Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to promoting dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred means to address regional challenges and ensure lasting peace.

Ambassador Jiang praised Pakistan’s “constructive and important role” in facilitating direct engagement between the United States and Iran, describing it as a significant contribution to regional stability.

The two sides also reaffirmed the strength of the Pakistan-China all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and underscored their resolve to further deepen bilateral cooperation.