Pakistan has come into the global spotlight following the ceasefire between the United States (US) and Iran, as Islamabad prepares to host crucial talks between the two sides today and tomorrow.
Hours before the two-week ceasefire was announced by US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, mediation efforts to end the conflict appeared to have fallen apart.
But a last-ditch effort by Pakistan’s military and civilian leadership brought Iran back to the negotiating table.
According to sources, delegation-level discussions will take place today, while the key central phase of negotiations is scheduled for Saturday.
The United States will be represented by Vice President JD Vance, senior negotiator Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of President Donald Trump.
Iran will be represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the venue of the talks, where he reviewed the security arrangements.
[02: 01 PM] Spanish minister urges Iran to negotiate in ‘good faith’: Al Jazeera
Spain’s Foreign Minister has told reporters before Saturday’s talks: “I encourage Iran, this is what I conveyed to the Iranian foreign minister, to take part in those negotiations and to participate in good faith.”
Jose Manuel Albares said when they spoke on Wednesday, he asked his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, to halt “all missile and drone launches”.
Albares again condemned Israel for continuing strikes on Lebanon.
[12: 32 PM] Pakistan, France pledge to strengthening bilateral ties
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar received a phone call from Foreign Minister of France, Jean-Noël Barrot on Friday.
The French Foreign Minister congratulated Pakistan on its role in securing the initial ceasefire agreement and expressed support for Pakistan’s continued efforts toward a diplomatic pathway for lasting peace and stability in the region.
Both leaders expressed concern over serious ceasefire violations made in Lebanon and underscored the importance of full implementation and respect for the ceasefire.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing economic and trade cooperation, and agreed to stay in touch.
[ 11: 21 AM] All bank branches in Iran to resume full operations tomorrow
Iran’s Bank Coordination Council has announced that all branches across the country will be fully operational from Saturday.
That includes bank headquarters in Tehran, the IRNA news agency reported.
[10: 12 AM] Bilawal hopes lifting of sanctions from Iran will benefit Pakistan, other countries
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said lifting of sanctions from Iran will not only benefit Pakistan, but a large global community.
Pakistan is all set to host ceasefire talks in Islamabad between Iran and United States. All arrangements have been finalised for the high-stake talks.
Referring to the recent US-Iran ceasefire, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the world is now looking towards Pakistan, recognising it as a country playing a constructive role in promoting peace. He added that the international community expects Pakistan to contribute to maintaining global stability.
[09: 28 AM] IRGC denies attacking any country during ceasefire
Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) has categorically denied carrying out reported drone and missile strikes on facilities in countries along the southern edge of the Persian Gulf, stressing that Iranian forces carried out no such operations during the ceasefire hours.
In an official statement on Thursday night, the IRGC stated, “The armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran have not launched any missiles at any country during the ceasefire hours until now.”
The IRGC was responding to a wave of unverified reports circulated by various news agencies over the past few hours alleging Iranian attacks on targets in the Persian Gulf region.
“We would like to inform you that the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran have not launched any missiles at any country during the ceasefire hours until now,” the statement read.
[09: 10 AM] “We are going to reach a very successful agreement”: Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump, in an interview with CBS, said he has advised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to scale back attacks on Lebanon.
President Trump noted that Mr Netanyahu has issues with Hezbollah, but expressed confidence that the situation would stabilise soon. He added that Mr Netanyahu supports the ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
“We are going to reach a very successful agreement,” President Trump said, adding that “what lies ahead is very positive, and everything will proceed in a good manner.”
[08: 42 AM] Pakistan welcomes all delegations including journalists from participating nations: Dar
[08: 00 AM] Security tightened in Islamabad ahead of US-Iran talks
Preparations and security arrangements for the upcoming United States–Iran negotiations in Islamabad have been reviewed at a high-level meeting.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed authorities to ensure comprehensive arrangements for the reception and hospitality of foreign delegations, as well as foolproof security measures. He stated that hosting the US-Iran talks in Islamabad is a matter of great honour for Pakistan.
The minister instructed that all possible steps be taken to guarantee the safety of visiting delegations. It was decided during the meeting that the Red Zone will be completely sealed, with entry permitted only to authorised individuals.
Mohsin Naqvi also confirmed that a control room has been established at the Ministry of Interior to oversee operations.
The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the Federal Secretary for Interior, and the Chief Commissioner. Representatives from the Pakistan Rangers, Federal Constabulary, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan were also present.
Additionally, the Inspector General of Islamabad Police, the Commissioner of Rawalpindi, the Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency, and the Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad attended the session.
[02: 00 AM] US journalists seek visas to cover Islamabad Talks