Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed his gratitude to US President Donald Trump for prolonging the ceasefire with Iran. He also voiced optimism that the ongoing diplomatic efforts would eventually lead both sides towards a comprehensive agreement to resolve the conflict.

Ceasefire extended amid stalled talks

Just a day before the temporary truce was set to lapse, President Trump announced on Tuesday that the ceasefire with Iran would be extended indefinitely. The decision came following a request from Pakistan’s leadership, even as fresh rounds of peace negotiations remain paused.

Pakistan had been preparing to host the next phase of discussions. However, plans were disrupted after Iran declined attempts to resume dialogue, leading the White House to cancel Vice President JD Vance’s scheduled visit to Islamabad.

Pakistan calls for more time for diplomacy

Islamabad had appealed for an extension of the ceasefire, citing uncertainty over the timing of the second round of talks, which are still anticipated later this week. Earlier, Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that the truce had originally been due to expire at 4:50 am PST on April 22.

Following the extension announcement, Prime Minister Sharif took to X to thank President Trump.

In his statement, Sharif said, “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.”

He further stated that Pakistan would continue to play a constructive role in seeking a negotiated settlement.

“With the trust and confidence reposed in us, Pakistan shall continue its earnest efforts for a negotiated settlement of the conflict,” he said.

Sharif added that he hoped both parties would honour the ceasefire and work towards concluding a comprehensive “Peace Deal” during the second round of talks expected in Islamabad, aiming for a permanent resolution.

US maintains pressure while extending truce

President Trump indicated that the ceasefire would remain in effect until Iran presents a “unified proposal” and negotiations reach a conclusion.

Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated: “Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our attack on the country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal.

“I have therefore directed our military to continue the blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted and discussions are concluded, one way or the other.”

No confirmed timeline for next talks

Despite the extension, there remains uncertainty regarding when the next round of negotiations will take place. Pakistan has already implemented extensive security arrangements, deploying more than 10,000 personnel in preparation for the proposed discussions.

The initial round of US-Iran negotiations, held on April 11 and 12, did not yield any significant progress. This led to intensified diplomatic engagement by Pakistan in an effort to reduce tensions and facilitate further dialogue.

Amid the lack of clarity, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday urged both sides to prolong the two-week ceasefire and allow diplomacy to proceed.

The conflict involving Iran began on February 28, triggered by joint US-Israeli strikes.