PM, Iranian envoy discuss regional situation, peace efforts

• Huddle follows Trump announcement ceasefire extension at request of PM Shehbaz and CDF Munir

• Premier Shehbaz discusses regional situation with Iranian envoy as ceasefire extension linked to Pakistan-backed diplomatic push

• Pakistan reaffirms role as ‘honest broker’ between Washington and Tehran amid efforts for comprehensive peace deal

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday discussed the evolving regional situation with Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam in the backdrop of the extension of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, reaffirming Pakistan’s continued commitment to earnest efforts for a negotiated settlement of the conflict, according to state-run Radio Pakistan.

In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam called on PM Shehbaz Sharif and exchanged views on the prevailing regional situation following the ceasefire extension between Washington and Tehran.

“They discussed the ongoing regional situation and peace efforts during the meeting,” the PMO said.

Amb. Reza Amiri Moghadam, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on 22.4.2026 to discuss the ongoing regional situation and peace efforts. pic.twitter.com/8QYxDsWlQj

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) April 22, 2026

The meeting comes a day after US President Donald Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran, reportedly at the request of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the truce—set to expire within hours—would remain in effect until Iran submits a comprehensive proposal and negotiations reach a conclusive outcome.

Amb. Reza Amiri Moghadam, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on 22.04.2026 to discuss the evolving regional situation and ongoing peace efforts. pic.twitter.com/vX7o5Tmc4i

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) April 22, 2026

A day earlier, Ambassador Moghadam had also met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, where both sides underscored the need for a sustainable solution through diplomatic engagement and negotiation channels to ease regional tensions.

Pakistan to continue mediation efforts for US-Iran conflict: PM Shehbaz

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for accepting Pakistan’s request to extend the ceasefire with Iran.

In a post on X, the prime minister, speaking “on his personal behalf and on behalf of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir,” thanked President Trump for agreeing to extend the ceasefire to allow diplomatic efforts to proceed.

On my personal behalf and on behalf of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, I sincerely thank President Trump for graciously accepting our request to extend the ceasefire to allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to take their course.

With the trust and confidence reposed in, Pakistan…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 21, 2026

PM Shehbaz said that with the trust and confidence placed in Pakistan, the country would continue its earnest efforts for a negotiated settlement of the conflict. He expressed hope that both sides would continue observing the ceasefire and reach a comprehensive “peace deal” during the second round of talks scheduled in Islamabad for a permanent resolution.

Pakistan has emerged as a key facilitator in the sensitive diplomatic process, positioning itself as an “honest broker” amid sharply polarised positions between Washington and Tehran.

Following 40 days of airstrikes, US and Iranian negotiators began talks in Islamabad earlier this month after a two-week ceasefire brokered by PM Shehbaz.

Since the outbreak of the conflict, multiple high-level engagements have taken place between Pakistani and Iranian leadership, focusing on dialogue and regional stability.

Notably, PM Shehbaz met the Iranian delegation on April 11 during the “Islamabad Talks,” reiterating Pakistan’s sincere resolve to continue its mediatory role in discussions with Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

On April 15, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, along with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, visited Tehran as part of Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach. The army chief, who concluded his visit on April 18, held meetings with top Iranian leadership.

On April 16, Naqvi also met Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability and stressing that its foreign policy remains anchored in peace.

Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting on the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs), announcing that government employees up to BPS-16 would be provided electric bikes on easy instalments.

The meeting was informed that the government aims to shift 30 percent of vehicles to electric power within five years, a move expected to save around US$4.5 billion in fuel imports.

The prime minister directed authorities to expedite ongoing initiatives for EV promotion, stressing that in light of evolving regional conditions and future energy needs, the transition to electric mobility would reduce import bills while strengthening environmental protection and energy security.

He also emphasised transparency in the disbursement of subsidies for electric motorbikes under the National EV Policy and instructed officials to further accelerate implementation of the scheme.