Pakistan leadership reviews mediation efforts amid fragile US-Iran ceasefire

Pakistan’s top civilian and military leadership met Thursday to assess ongoing regional peace efforts as tensions persist in the Middle East.

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan’s chief of army staff and chief of defense forces, called on Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s Office. The leaders reviewed progress on Pakistan’s mediatory role aimed at achieving sustainable peace.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction over the de-escalation achieved so far and stressed the importance of maintaining peace and a ceasefire by all parties. They praised the restraint shown and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to support both sides in reaching a negotiated settlement.

The prime minister lauded the commitment of the parties involved and renewed his invitation to incoming delegations, assuring them of Pakistan’s highest consideration and support.

Bilawal praises PM’s role

Separately, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari telephoned Sharif, the Prime Minister’s Office said. The two discussed the country’s current situation in detail.

Bilawal praised the prime minister’s active diplomatic efforts and effective role in easing tensions between Iran and the United States and in establishing a ceasefire. He also commended Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace in the region.

The PPP chairman emphasized the need for national unity at what he described as a critical juncture and expressed full solidarity with the prime minister and the government, according to the statement.

Sharif thanked him for his views and support and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to continue efforts to promote peace, stability and dialogue in the region.

Both leaders agreed that mutual consultation and national harmony were essential to effectively address the challenges posed by the current situation, the statement said.

Pakistan’s diplomatic push

The developments follow Pakistan’s recent diplomatic push that led to a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States, endorsed by Tehran and acknowledged by Washington. The agreement aimed to open space for further negotiations after months of heightened tensions in the Gulf and broader Middle East.

However, fresh Israeli strikes on Lebanon have raised concerns about the durability of the ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would continue its operations in Lebanon, signaling no immediate pause despite ongoing diplomacy.

International affairs experts described the strikes as potential spoilers to the ceasefire process, suggesting Israel may not support halting conflict with Iran or restoring wider regional stability.

U.S. President Donald Trump is sending Vice President JD Vance and senior negotiators, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, to Pakistan for talks with Iran beginning Saturday, the White House said.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the discussions in Islamabad will focus on implementing ceasefire terms, restoring freedom of navigation in the Gulf, and exploring a broader framework to prevent renewed fighting. Officials have not disclosed the expected duration of the negotiations.