STORY: :: Pakistan's Sharif says U.S.-Iran talks will be 'make or break' in achieving a permanent ceasefire
:: Islamabad, Pakistan / April 10, 2026
:: Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan
"A temporary ceasefire has been announced, but now the even more difficult stage is that of a permanent ceasefire. That is, resolving the entangled issues through negotiations, and this stage is parallel to what is called make or break in English." // "Tomorrow, the leadership of both countries will be present in Islamabad, God willing, and the Pakistani leadership will make every effort with sincerity to make these talks successful."
The center of Islamabad was placed under a complete lockdown, with authorities declaring a public holiday and establishing a 2 mile (3 km) "red zone" security perimeter around the hotel hosting the talks.
Saturday's talks are expected to focus on extending the ceasefire beyond the current two weeks and easing regional tensions.
A source disclosed that advance teams from both nations had already arrived at the Serena Hotel in central Islamabad, where the delegations will be based. While no face-to-face meetings were scheduled for Friday, Pakistan was facilitating communication between the parties.
Pakistani officials have refrained from indicating the precise timing of the Iranian delegation's arrival, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. Meanwhile, the U.S. delegation, headed by Vice President J.D. Vance, is expected to arrive in time for the Saturday discussions.
