Pakistan steps up peace diplomacy as PM meets key coalition partner

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in Islamabad on Wednesday to discuss the evolving situation in the Gulf region, national security, and political developments.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called on the prime minister along with a delegation, according to an official statement.

Sharif briefed the PPP leader on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting global peace, particularly in the context of regional tensions in the Gulf.

Both leaders exchanged views on political developments and matters of national importance, with discussions focusing on Pakistan’s external and internal security environment.

They also reviewed the federal government’s strategy to address potential challenges arising from the prevailing regional tensions.

Bilawal appreciated the government’s policy direction and commended the prime minister’s leadership and strategic decisions, the statement said.

The meeting also included a review of ongoing development projects in Sindh under the federal government.

Attendees included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, and Senator Saleem Mandviwalla.

The meeting comes as Pakistan shared a U.S. proposal aimed at ending the war with Iran, senior diplomatic sources said Wednesday, adding that Tehran has requested additional time to respond.

A formal meeting between U.S. and Iranian representatives could take place in Islamabad or Istanbul within 48 hours, according to the sources, who said American officials are already in the region to prepare for talks.

Pakistani diplomats emphasized that confidentiality is crucial to maximize the chances of a successful outcome.