Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held separate meetings with visiting US and Iranian delegations on Saturday, as Islamabad stepped up efforts to mediate high-stakes talks between the two sides.

Sharif met US Vice President JD Vance, who was accompanied by Washington’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif expressed hope that the diplomatic engagement would serve as a foundation for lasting peace in the region.

Both sides discussed the ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and key regional issues.

The meeting was also attended by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi were also present.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, both sides appreciated the commitment to constructive and positive engagement, with Sharif expressing hope that the ongoing talks would serve as a step toward lasting peace in the region.

The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to continue facilitating dialogue between the parties to advance durable peace efforts.

During the meeting, the two sides also exchanged views on key regional developments and issues of mutual interest.

In a parallel development, the prime minister also hosted the Iranian delegation for a luncheon meeting, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

The discussions come ahead of negotiations between Tehran and Washington, though uncertainty remains over whether direct face-to-face talks will take place.

Sources said Pakistan may adopt a shuttle diplomacy approach, engaging separately with both sides to bridge differences and advance proposals.

Iran has maintained firm preconditions for entering formal negotiations, with Ghalibaf reiterating that the United States must first unfreeze Iranian assets.

The demand forms part of Tehran’s broader 10-point proposal, which also includes other concessions.

While reports in the Iranian media suggested progress on the issue, the US side has not issued any confirmation in this regard.

The separate engagements in Islamabad underscore Pakistan’s key role as a mediator, even as disagreements on key issues continue to cloud the negotiation process.