He says progress has been significant and both sides have developed an understanding
Minister of Law and Justice, lawyer Aqeel Malik. SCREEN CAPTURE
Law and Justice Minister Barrister Aqeel Malik said on Friday that next week would be “quite important” for Pakistan as Islamabad was again expected to host talks between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the war in the Middle East.
Pakistan is mediating between the United States and Iran after the war began on February 28 and has hosted the highest-level talks between the two sides since they broke diplomatic relations in 1979.
Speaking to a private news channel, Malik said the government had completed preparations for the next round of talks, including preventive security measures. He added that, as in the previous round, foolproof security would be ensured, and this time even stricter measures would be adopted.
“Within a few hours or later tonight, things will start to become clearer. I won’t give a specific date or time, but next week seems to be very important for Pakistan, especially for Islamabad,” he said.
Malik added that today’s announcement by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to open the Strait of Hormuz was part of a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon, adding that Pakistan, along with Muslim and friendly countries, had undertaken diplomatic efforts in this regard.
Read: Iranian Foreign Minister announces opening of Hormuz to all commercial ships until ceasefire ends
Calling the development positive, he said things had largely been resolved, citing statements by Iranian and American authorities. “Things seem to be moving in the right and positive direction, which is very good,” he said.
Describing Pakistan’s efforts as “par excellence”, the minister said diplomatic commitment by both military and civilian leaders continued to achieve a lasting and sustainable peace, adding that Pakistan was playing a central role in the process.
In response to a question about the timeline for a possible agreement, Malik said diplomacy was a work in progress and results could not be rushed, particularly in mediation. “Mediation takes time. Both sides start from strong positions, then talks take place, followed by messaging and shuttle diplomacy, in which Pakistan has played a key role, particularly during last week’s talks in Islamabad,” he said.
He added that since last week, progress had been significant and both sides had developed an understanding. “President Trump has said as much, and the Iranian authorities have also indicated that things have moved forward considerably, which is a very good and positive sign,” he said.
He ruled out the involvement of other foreign leaders or heads of state in the expected deal, saying the matter concerned only the United States and Iran, with Pakistan acting as a mediator and leading the efforts.
Read also: Trump says war with Iran should end “soon” and Hezbollah should support truce
“I think the next meeting will not involve negotiations; it will indicate that everything is final and ready to be signed,” he said, adding that when it happens, it would be very significant for Pakistan and would send a message of peace to the world.
The minister’s statement came as Tehran on Friday declared the Strait of Hormuz “completely open” to commercial ships, the first time since the war began on February 28. Pakistan secured a 14-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran on April 8.
Tehran imposed control of the key waterway shortly after the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28, disrupting global energy supplies and shipping traffic.
The United States has imposed its own blockade on Iranian ports since Monday this week and President Donald Trump has threatened to continue it.
Tehran’s announcement came after Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir met Iran’s top civilian and military leaders over the past two days in Tehran.
