ISLAMABAD — Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday pledged “highest support” to expected delegations from the United States and Iran, as Islamabad prepares to host talks aimed at ending the conflict.During a meeting with Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Sharif praised the “commitment of the parties involved in the process” and wished them success in advancing peace efforts.The two leaders reviewed progress in Pakistan’s mediation between Washington and Tehran to achieve “sustainable peace in the region,” according to an official statement.The meeting comes ahead of expected talks in Islamabad over the weekend, following a 14-day ceasefire secured by Pakistan early Wednesday, 39 days after the US and Israel launched a war on Iran.After announcing the ceasefire, Sharif invited both sides to Pakistan for negotiations aimed at reaching a lasting settlement.The White House confirmed that Vice President JD Vance will lead the US delegation, alongside special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.Pakistani government sources said Iran’s delegation is expected to include Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, though Tehran has not officially confirmed the lineup.Sharif and Munir expressed “satisfaction over the de-escalation achieved so far” and stressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire.They also “appreciated the restraint demonstrated by all sides” and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to facilitate talks and provide “all out support” to reach a “peacefully negotiated settlement.”Sharif renewed his invitation to both delegations and assured them of Pakistan’s full support.The US and Iranian delegations are expected to arrive by Friday, with talks likely to begin Saturday, although the format remains unclear. Direct negotiations are expected.More than 3,000 people have been killed in US-Israeli attacks across Iran since Feb. 28, according to Iran’s Forensic Authority.At least 13 US servicemen have also been killed and dozens injured during the conflict.
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