In a post on social media ahead of the upcoming Islamabad talks, Sharif thanked the People’s Republic of China, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt and Qatar for what he described as “invaluable and all-out support” in helping secure the ceasefire and enabling diplomatic engagement toward a lasting resolution.
A senior Iran official has since told Reuters that the Strait of Hormuz could open in the next two days ahead of Islamabad talks if ceasefire framework is reached.
As we proceed to *Islamabad Talks*, I wish to extend our deepest and sincere gratitude to our brotherly countries People’s Republic of China, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Republic of Türkiye, Arab Republic of Egypt and State of Qatar for extending invaluable and all out support…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 8, 2026
He also acknowledged the broader support of the Gulf Cooperation Council, calling its commitment to regional peace and stability “quintessential” to ongoing efforts. Sharif further praised the leadership of partner nations, including the US, for demonstrating “strategic foresight” and patience in backing peace initiatives.
The omission of the UAE stood out in the list of countries cited in the message, especially as it is often an influential player in regional diplomacy, a close partner to Pakistan, and more importantly, suffered the barrage of attacks amid US-Israeli and Iran fight.
Sharif also extended thanks to “partners and friends across the globe” for recognising Pakistan’s efforts toward global peace.
The statement comes nearly a day after the ceasefire was forged — though ground reports say attacks are ongoing in the region — and just hours after Sharif said Iran had reaffirmed its participation in the Islamabad talks.
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has left for UAE to meet with the country’s leaders and strengthen the ceasefire into a lasting peace deal. Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar is also set to meet UAE leaders during the ceasefire, though it was not outrightly positioned as a meeting to discuss the war.
Also Read: Jaishankar UAE visit set during truce as India pushes for de-escalation
