Islamabad, April 12, 2026 – The Europe Today: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday emphasized the importance of maintaining the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, even as high-level talks concluded in Islamabad without reaching a formal agreement.
Addressing a press conference following the departure of US Vice President JD Vance, Dar stated, “It is imperative that the parties continue to uphold their commitment to the ceasefire,” underscoring Pakistan’s continued support for peace and stability in the region.
He expressed deep gratitude to both Iran and the United States for responding positively to the call made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for an immediate ceasefire and for agreeing to participate in peace talks hosted in Islamabad.
Dar also acknowledged the appreciation shown by both sides for Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue and mediating the ceasefire. He revealed that he, alongside Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, had helped mediate several rounds of “intense and constructive negotiations” over the past 24 hours, which concluded earlier in the day.
Expressing hope for future progress, Dar said Pakistan remains optimistic that both sides will continue engaging in a positive spirit to achieve lasting peace and prosperity for the region and beyond. “Pakistan has been and will continue to play its role to facilitate engagement and dialogue between Iran and the US in the days to come,” he added.
Earlier, Vice President Vance announced the conclusion of talks, noting that while discussions with Iranian counterparts were substantive, no agreement had been reached. “We’ve had a number of substantive discussions with the Iranians. The good news is engagement; the bad news is that we have not reached an agreement,” he stated.
Despite the outcome, Vance praised Pakistan’s efforts in hosting and facilitating the talks. He commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, describing them as “incredible hosts,” and acknowledged Pakistan’s sincere attempts to bridge differences between the two sides.
The Islamabad-hosted negotiations, widely seen as a critical diplomatic effort, mark a significant step in ongoing international attempts to de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue in the region.
