Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held separate talks with the leaders of Iran and Qatar in an effort to revive the stalled U.S.-Iran negotiations.

The talks were held on Friday (July 10, 2026) night as efforts picked up pace to mend the broken peace bridge between the warring sides after the recent escalation and attacks on the rival targets.

In his conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Mr. Sharif expressed “deep concern over the recent escalation in tensions in the region” and underscored the urgent need to “restore regional peace and stability,” according to a statement by the PM Office.

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He urged parties to “exercise restraint and refrain from any action that could jeopardise the hard-earned peace gains achieved over the past few months”.

Mr. Sharif stressed the importance of upholding the commitments undertaken under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), describing it as an enduring framework for promoting mutual understanding, respect and shared prosperity in the region and beyond.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to regional peace, Mr. Sharif assured Mr. Pezeshkian of Islamabad’s readiness to continue playing an “honest and sincere role” in facilitating dialogue and supporting all efforts aimed at preserving peace and stability.

President Pezeshkian thanked the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and other senior Pakistani leaders for attending the funeral ceremony of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

He also reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to peace and appreciated Pakistan’s constructive support and sincere efforts for regional stability.

The two leaders also reviewed the implementation of the decisions taken during President Pezeshkian’s visit to Islamabad last month and agreed to expedite follow-up actions to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across diverse fields.

Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and continue consultations on matters of mutual interest and regional peace.

In a separate telephone conversation with Emir of Qatar Sheikh ‎Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Mr. Sharif reiterated his “deep concern over the recent ‎escalation in tensions in the region”.

While conveying ‎Pakistan’s solidarity and support with the people of ‎Qatar on the recent attacks, he ‎stressed that all parties exercise restraint and ‎refrain from any actions that could undermine peace ‎in the region.‎ He conveyed Pakistan’s sincere ‎gratitude to the Qatari ruler for ‎consistent and steadfast support in the peace efforts ‎that culminated in the Islamabad MoU and the first round of high-level ‎technical talks at Burgenstock.

The two leaders agreed upon the importance of ‎sustained diplomatic engagement and dialogue, and ‎adherence to the commitments made by all parties ‎under the peace memorandum.

The U.S. and Iran signed the MoU on June 18, aimed at restoring peace in West Asia. It was followed by technical-level talks in Switzerland on June 21, with Pakistan and Qatar as mediators.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday (May 24, 2026) praised Donald Trump for his diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in West Asia, underlining that the U.S. President held a “productive call” with different leaders, including Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.

Mr. Trump held a phone call on Saturday (May 23, 2026) with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkiye, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Jordan and Pakistan.

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Mr. Trump had a telephone conversation with Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, who was in Tehran. Mr. Munir met with top Iranian leaders and discussed accelerating efforts to achieve a “conclusive agreement” between the United States and Iran.

As Mr. Munir wrapped up his trip, President Trump said in a statement that a ‌memorandum of understanding on a peace deal has been “largely negotiated” with Iran.

“Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will ‌be announced shortly,” Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Mr. Trump posted the announcement after separate calls with the leaders of Muslim-majority nations and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

PM Sharif, in his statement, praised Mr. Trump while committing to continue efforts for peace in the region.

“I congratulate President Donald Trump on his extraordinary efforts to pursue peace and for holding a very useful and productive telephone call earlier today, with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkiye, Egypt, the UAE, Jordan and Pakistan,” he said on X.

He said that Mr. Munir represented Pakistan in the telephone call and “I greatly appreciate his tireless efforts during the entire process.”

“The discussions provided a useful opportunity to exchange views on the current regional situation and how to move the ongoing peace efforts forward to bring lasting peace in the region,” the prime minister stated.

He also said that “Pakistan will continue its peace efforts with utmost sincerity, and we hope to host the next round of talks very soon.”

Pakistan had hosted the first face-to-face intensive talks between the U.S. and Iran following the ceasefire announced on April 8.

Though the peace effort failed to clinch a deal, Islamabad carried forward its initiative in collaboration with several other Muslim countries.

A day after an unprecedented surge in fuel prices triggered severe backlash, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced slashing the petrol price by PKR 80.

Mr. Sharif in a midnight address on Friday (April 3, 2026) announced that the government has decided to reduce petrol levy by PKR 80 per litre, making the commodity available to the end consumer for PKR 378 per litre.

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The government on Thursday (April 2) announced an unprecedented hike of 43% and 55% in the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD), respectively.

The rise in petrol price from PKR 321.17 to PKR 458.41 per litre came as the government levy increased from PKR 105 to PKR 160 per litre.

The government had also increased HSD price by PKR 184.49 per litre — from PKR 335.86 to PKR 520.35 — but had abolished the levy, prompting demands that the government should follow suit with regard to petrol price, providing some relief to citizens.

“I am announcing an immediate reduction of PKR 80 per litre in petrol levy,” he said, adding that the new price of PKR 378 per litre would take effect from midnight, with petrol available at the revised rate at petrol stations across the country.

The Pakistan Prime Minister said the petrol price would remain unchanged for at least one month.

He emphasised that the situation in the Gulf region was responsible for the hike in petroleum prices, but the government was making every effort to keep prices in check.

“Through careful savings and prudent use of resources, we tried to shield you from the storm of inflation,” he added.

Mr. Sharif said previously it was decided that federal cabinet members would not receive their salaries for two months as part of austerity measures taken by the government to deal with the fuel crunch. However, now they would have to go without salaries for six months, he announced.

“Over the past three weeks, I did not consider it appropriate to pass on the daily increase in oil prices to the public, as I am fully aware of the challenges faced by the common man in making ends meet,” he said.

Additionally, the Prime Minister announced relief measures for vulnerable segments, including a subsidy of PKR 100 per litre for motorcycle users, PKR 70,000 to 80,000 to goods transport vehicles, and PKR 1,00,000 to passenger vehicles.

“For small farmers, financial assistance of PKR 1,500 per acre has been announced,” he said.

Further, a decision was also taken regarding Pakistan Railways to ensure that fares for economy class passengers would not be increased, he added.

Mr. Sharif said the announced measures would also be implemented in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, for which the government would provide all necessary resources.

“We will continue our efforts until you are able to return to your daily lives with peace and stability, and for this, all available resources will be utilised,” he said.

Pakistan has been hit hard by the disruption in petroleum supplies as global prices rose sharply due to the closing of the Strait of Hormuz and the conflict in West Asia.

The government initially increased prices by PKR 55 per litre for petrol and HSD soon after the war began. However, the prices remained unchanged for three weeks as the government provided PKR 129 billion in subsidies.

Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday (March 26, 2026) and pledged his country’s “continued support” for trade and investment in Pakistan, a statement said.

Mr. Zaidong also appreciated Pakistan’s “economic resilience” in the meeting, also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and other officials, a statement by the PM Office said.

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Appreciating China’s steadfast economic support, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, called CPEC 2.0, with a focus on agriculture, industrial cooperation, and priority infrastructure projects, it stated.

Ambassador Jiang “commended Pakistan’s economic resilience and reform efforts, and reaffirmed China’s continued support, particularly in trade and investment,” it added.

Both sides also expressed satisfaction at ongoing exchanges and looked forward to high-level engagements to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Mr. Sharif also highlighted Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting de-escalation in West Asia while discussing the regional situation.

He also emphasised continued close coordination at all levels on issues of mutual interest while reaffirming the enduring Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

U.S. President Donald Trump in his State of the Union Address on Tuesday (February 24, 2026) night (local time) once again claimed that he had ended eight wars including the India-Pakistan conflict that arose in the aftermath of the Pahalgam Terror attacks last year. In his address, the U.S. President also made a stunning revelation saying that Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif had told him that almost 35 million people would have died had he not intervened in the conflict.

“In my first 10 months, I ended eight wars… Cambodia and Thailand… Pakistan and India would have had a nuclear war. 35 million people said the Prime Minister of Pakistan would have died if it were not for my involvement,” he claimed. India has denied any involvement of the United States in the agreement to cease hostilities with Pakistan, maintaining that the request to end military operations had come from the Director General of Military operations in Pakistan.

India had initiated Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians, the operation was a punitive and targeted campaign to dismantle the terror infrastructure across the Line of Control and deeper inside Pakistan. In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, Pakistan initiated a series of retaliatory drone and UCAV attacks targeting key Indian airbases and logistics infrastructure. These attempts, however, were effectively neutralised by India’s comprehensive and multi-layered air defence architecture.

The operation unfolded across land, air, and sea, a seamless demonstration of synergy between the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy. The Indian Air Force (IAF) played a crucial role in delivering precision strikes against terror infrastructure across Pakistan. It conducted high-impact air operations on targets such as the Nur Khan Air Base and the Rahimyar Khan Air Base.

Meanwhile, in his State of the Union Address. the U.S. President said his administration was “working hard” to end “the killing and slaughter between Russia and Ukraine, calling it “a war which would have never happened if I were President.” Addressing the situation in Iran, Mr. Trump kept his options open saying he still preferred a diplomatic solution. “They have already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our bases overseas, and they are working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America. My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy. But one thing is certain, I will never allow the world’s number one sponsor of terror, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon. Can’t happen,” Mr. Trump said.

Pakistan on Saturday (November 8, 2025) brought in a Constitutional amendment to create a new post of chief of defence forces to ensure greater coordination and unified command among the three services.

The 27th Constitutional Amendment bill presented in parliament proposes changes to Article 243 of the Constitution, which deals with the armed forces among other issues.

Under the amendment bill, the President will appoint the Army Chief and the Chief of Defence Force on the advice of the Prime Minister.

The Chief of Army Staff, who will also be the Chief of Defence Forces, will appoint the head of the National Strategic Command in consultation with the Prime Minister. The head of the National Strategic Command will be from the Pakistan Army, it adds.

The government will be able to promote individuals from the armed forces to the ranks of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force and Admiral of the Fleet. The rank and privileges of Field Marshal will be for life, meaning that Field Marshals will remain Field Marshals for life.

The bill says that the post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will expire on November 27, 2025.

According to a local media report on Friday (November 7, 2025), the move is said to have been inspired by lessons drawn from the four-day conflict between Pakistan and India in May and the evolving nature of modern warfare that demands integrated operational response.

The 27th Constitutional Amendment bill also proposes to set up a Federal Constitutional Court, change the process for appointing high court judges, and change the threshold for provincial cabinets.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar presented the bill in the Senate, the upper house, hours after it was approved by the cabinet.

Mr. Tarar said that the bill had 49 clauses. “Let me clarify that there are three main areas and two ancillary. It will address five subject areas,” he said.

Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani referred the bill, as introduced, to the Standing Committees on Law and Justice for review and consideration.

He said that both committees may hold joint meetings for a detailed review and consideration, and the report would be presented before the House.

Opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ali Zafar said that debating the constitutional amendment was not appropriate when the leader of the opposition’s seat remained vacant.

He said that the government and its allied parties appeared to be in a hurry to pass the bill.

“I would suggest that instead of sending it to the committee, let this Senate be treated as a committee as a whole,” he said, suggesting the bill be debated by all individuals.

The PTI leader further said that the opposition had received the draft only on Saturday (November 8, 2025) and had not yet read a word of it.

“We cannot debate something we have not read,” he said.

Earlier, shortly before the Senate session, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had chaired the cabinet meeting via video link from Azerbaijan, according to state-run PTV News.

“The federal cabinet approved the draft for the 27th Constitutional Amendment and welcomed it to the fullest extent,” it had added.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday (October 16, 2025) said Pakistan was ready to hold talks with Afghanistan, but only on “legitimate and mutually respectful conditions” following the clashes at the border between the two countries.

Mr. Sharif made the remarks while addressing the federal Cabinet meeting, where he talked about the recent tensions with Afghanistan that erupted into a mini-war between the two countries.

He said Pakistan agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire at the request of Afghanistan, and now the ball is in Kabul’s court to decide the matter peacefully. He said Pakistan is ready to resolve the issue at the dialogue table.

“We are ready to engage in dialogue with Afghanistan under legitimate conditions. We told our brotherly neighbour that we seek peace through mutual consultation and cooperation,” he said.

Pakistan and Afghan­istan on Wednesday (October 15, 2025) agreed to a temporary ceasefire. Both countries claimed that it was requested by the other side.

Mr. Sharif said that several top officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, and others, repeatedly visited Kabul to convey Pakistan’s desire for peace and development in the region.

“Unfortunately, despite all efforts, (the Taliban regime in) Afghanistan did not prioritise peace and adopted the path of aggression,” he said, adding that Pakistan had to launch a full-scale retaliatory action as patience had run out after the recent events.

He further alleged that Afghanistan attacked Pakistan “at India’s behest”, as Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was in Delhi when attacks were launched.  Mr. Sharif said the Qatari emir had condemned the entire episode in talks with him in Egypt and expressed his desire to play a role in cooling down tensions.

He said that Pakistan was forced to respond to terrorist activities being operated from Afghan soil, killing innocent civilians and security personnel of Pakistan. He said Pakistan has conveyed its concerns through diplomatic channels, but to no avail.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (September 17, 2025) signed a defence pact under which any aggression against either country shall be considered as an act of aggression against both, according to media reports.

The ‘Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement’ was signed during Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to Riyadh, where he was received by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace, Geo News reported.

According to the Dawn newspaper, a statement from PM Sharif’s office announced the signing of the pact, which stated that any aggression against either country shall be considered an act of aggression against both.

“Building on a partnership extending nearly eight decades and grounded in bonds of brotherhood, Islamic solidarity and shared strategic interests, the two sides signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement,” a joint statement released after the signing ceremony said.

The pact reflects a joint commitment to enhance bilateral security ties and contribute to regional and global peace, the statement said.

“It aims to develop defence cooperation further and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. Crucially, the agreement stipulates that any aggression against one country shall be considered aggression against both,” Geo News reported.

Also read: Pakistan, Saudi agree to elevate strategic partnership in July 2025

PM Sharif was earlier received by Riyadh Deputy Governor Muhammad bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz upon his arrival in the Saudi capital.

He is accompanied by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Environment Minister Musadik Malik and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy a historic relationship, rooted in shared faith, values and mutual trust, and the visit will provide an important opportunity for the two leaders to consolidate this unique partnership while exploring new avenues of collaboration for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries, the Foreign Office had said ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit to the oil-rich kingdom.

This is his third visit to the Gulf region within a week. He earlier visited Qatar twice, on Thursday (September 11, 2025) and Monday (September 15, 2025), to express solidarity with Doha following Israel’s attack on the Hamas leadership in the Gulf country and to attend an emergency meeting of Arab-Islamic nations on the issue.