Starmer calls Pakistan PM to emphasise importance of ‘lasting' ceasefire

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke to his Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif on Friday evening to express his support for “Pakistan’s sincere diplomatic efforts” to “facilitate the Iran-US ceasefire and advance dialogue”, according to a statement released on X by Sharif.

Both leaders “agreed on the importance of sustaining the ceasefire to create the conditions for lasting peace and stability in the region”, the statement continued.

"They agreed that the upcoming talks were vital to progress the ceasefire towards lasting peace and to ensure the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz," the statement from Downing Street adds.

"Recognising that it was still early days, the Prime Minister was clear that the UK was supportive of this process and hoped it would pave the way to a long-term resolution of the conflict."

Received a warm call from Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom, this evening.

Appreciate his support for Pakistan’s sincere diplomatic efforts that helped facilitate the Iran–U.S. ceasefire and advance dialogue. I also welcome the joint statement by key European and…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 10, 2026