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ISLAMABAD — 26 March, 2026- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday emphasized Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting de-escalation and regional stability amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, including reported efforts to open a diplomatic window to end the nearly month-long war between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has significantly affected the broader region.
He made these remarks during a meeting at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, who was accompanied by a delegation. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting focused on regional developments and bilateral relations.
The development comes amid reports suggesting that Pakistan is positioning itself as a key facilitator for dialogue, with back-channel diplomatic efforts reportedly underway to help bring an end to the US-Israel-Iran conflict.
Analysts and security officials say that the risk of the conflict spilling over into Pakistan remains one of Islamabad’s major concerns. Pakistan, which is already engaged in tensions involving the Afghan Taliban, has also faced fuel supply disruptions caused by the ongoing regional war that began on February 28.
According to international media reports, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir recently held a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump, a contact later confirmed by the White House. Senior Pakistani officials are also reportedly facilitating communication between Tehran and key US intermediaries, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Over the past 72 hours, Pakistan, in coordination with Türkiye and Egypt, has played a key role in transmitting messages between Washington and Tehran in an effort to prevent further escalation.
Reports also suggest that Islamabad is being considered as a potential venue for a high-level meeting between the United States and Iran later this week, with US Vice President JD Vance expected to attend if the proposal materializes.
Prime Minister Shehbaz has also publicly stated Pakistan’s willingness to host talks aimed at resolving the conflict, as diplomatic momentum builds following a shift in Washington’s stance amid concerns from Gulf allies over possible escalation.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister congratulated the Chinese leadership on the successful conclusion of the “Two Sessions” and thanked President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi for their warm Pakistan Day greetings.
He also appreciated China’s continued economic support and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), focusing on agriculture, industrial cooperation, and priority infrastructure projects.
Ambassador Jiang praised Pakistan’s economic resilience and ongoing reform efforts, reiterating Beijing’s continued support, particularly in trade and investment.
