Pakistan steps up secondary diplomacy to save talks

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan stepped up its overt and behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts on Wednesday to revive the stalled US-Iran peace process, as Tehran’s envoy in Islamabad held a key meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif against the backdrop of growing uncertainty over the next round of negotiations.

According to a brief statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Reza Amiri Moghadam asked the Prime Minister to discuss the evolving regional situation and the ongoing peace efforts.

“Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, called Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on April 22, 2026 to discuss the current regional situation and peace efforts,” the statement read.

While the official document did not divulge further details, diplomatic sources said the meeting took place at a critical time when ambiguity continues to cloud the fate of the next round of talks between Tehran and Washington. The diplomatic process, they suggested, was the central focus of the discussion.

Officials familiar with the developments said Pakistan remained engaged with Iran through discreet channels, exchanging messages in an effort to persuade Tehran to join the dialogue process.

Islamabad has played a quiet but pivotal role in facilitating contacts since the initial round of talks failed to produce any breakthrough.

The latest round of negotiations, scheduled for Wednesday, was put on hold after Iran refused to participate, overshadowing the fragile progress made so far.

Despite the setback, US President Donald Trump agreed to extend a temporary ceasefire with Iran, at Pakistan’s request.

The move was intended to allow diplomacy to regain momentum and give Tehran time to formulate a unified response to Washington’s proposals.

Although there was no official confirmation on the resumption of talks, security in the federal capital remained unusually tight.

Key routes leading to Islamabad’s Red Zone, which house sensitive government facilities and diplomatic missions, remained sealed, indicating authorities were still preparing for possible high-level engagement.

Diplomatic observers believe these measures indicate that, despite the current stalemate, there is still a window, albeit a narrow one, for negotiations to resume in Islamabad.

While both sides maintain firm positions and the diplomatic route is in play, Pakistan’s role as a facilitator remains crucial even as uncertainty continues to define the trajectory of the peace process.

Ishaq Dar

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott on Wednesday praised and supported “Pakistan’s facilitating role in bringing the United States and Iran to the negotiating table” during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

According to a statement shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on

The British envoy “appreciated and supported Pakistan’s facilitating role in bringing the United States and Iran to the negotiating table,” the statement added.

Dar also spoke with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan.

Both leaders exchanged views on the latest regional developments and reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in the peaceful resolution of disputes.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar had a telephone conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Jeenbek Kulubaev.

During the interaction, both dignitaries exchanged views on bilateral relations and reaffirmed the strength of relations between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan, according to a press release from the DPM Office.

Discussing the evolving regional situation, Foreign Minister Kulubaev appreciated the efforts of the Minister and Foreign Minister and the constructive role of Pakistan in promoting dialogue and diplomacy for regional peace and stability.

Both sides agreed to remain in close contact.