Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed the extension of the ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump, expressing appreciation for Trump’s decision and reaffirming Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue to de-escalate tensions.

In a post on his X account, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked President Trump for responding positively to Pakistan’s request.

“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 wrote.

The prime minister said Pakistan would continue its efforts to support a negotiated settlement and expressed hope that both sides would maintain the ceasefire and move towards a comprehensive peace agreement through ongoing talks in Islamabad.

The development came after US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday an extension of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, following a request from Pakistan’s leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir.

Posting on his Truth Social account, Trump said the decision was made in view of internal divisions within Iran and on Pakistan’s request to allow time for a unified proposal from Iranian officials.

He said he had directed US forces to maintain readiness and continue the blockade, while extending the ceasefire until negotiations were concluded.

Trump’s announcement followed an earlier ceasefire arrangement agreed on April 8, which was set to expire at 4.50am PST on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker, where he stressed the importance of sustained engagement between Washington and Tehran.

He urged both sides to extend the ceasefire further and give diplomacy a full chance to succeed.

Dar reiterated Pakistan’s consistent position that dialogue remains the only viable path to regional peace and stability.

Separately, officials said Pakistan remains in close contact with Iranian authorities as part of its mediation efforts, while awaiting Tehran’s formal response on participation in the second round of Islamabad talks.