ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan has emerged as a key player seeking an end to the escalating conflict between the US and Iran, with Islamabad quietly positioned as a potential venue for talks between Tehran and Washington, according to US media and officials familiar with the development.
The diplomatic opening came shortly after US President Donald Trump announced a temporary halt in hostilities, citing what he described as “constructive engagement” with Iran. In the immediate aftermath, reports suggested that Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt had stepped up efforts to facilitate indirect communications between the two adversaries.
According to Axios, Islamabad is being considered for possible talks involving a US delegation that could include special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, along with senior Iranian leadership, potentially including the parliamentary speaker.
However, Tehran publicly rejected any suggestion of direct or indirect talks with Washington.
Yet diplomatic activity over the past 24 hours indicates a flurry of behind-the-scenes engagement that suggests otherwise.
Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership remained actively engaged with key stakeholders.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, reaffirming solidarity with Iran while calling for restraint and dialogue.
According to an official statement, the prime minister extended Eidul Fitr and Nowruz greetings to the Iranian leadership and people while expressing condolences over the loss of life in the ongoing conflict. He warned of the “dangerous” trajectory of hostilities in the Gulf and stressed the urgent need for collective efforts to de-escalate tensions through diplomacy.
Importantly, he emphasized the need for unity in the Muslim world and highlighted that the unity of the Ummah was “more critical than ever” amid the crisis.
Sharing details of Pakistan’s diplomatic overtures, Shehbaz assured Tehran that Islamabad would continue to play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the region.
Meanwhile, the country’s military leadership also engaged Washington. A report in the Financial Times said Field Marshal and Chief of Staff Syed Asim Munir held a phone conversation with President Trump to discuss the developing situation.
Diplomatic sources said the contacts reflected Pakistan’s attempt to leverage its unique ties with both Tehran and Washington to create space for dialogue.
At the same time, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar conducted a frantic diplomatic outreach, speaking separately to his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
In both talks, Dar stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to ensure peace, security and stability in the region and beyond, with all sides agreeing to remain in close contact.
These parallel engagements, which also involve Turkey and Egypt, point to a coordinated but nascent mediation effort that is largely centered on backchannel messaging rather than a formal negotiation process.
While there has been no official confirmation from Islamabad regarding hosting talks, sources did not rule out the possibility, suggesting that Pakistan is willing to offer a neutral venue if required.
However, analysts warn that despite the diplomatic storm, the prospects for a breakthrough remain uncertain due to deep mistrust between Washington and Tehran and rapidly evolving battlefield dynamics.
Still, Pakistan’s proactive diplomacy underscores its attempt to position itself as a bridge that maintains solidarity with neighboring Iran while preserving its strategic ties with the United States and key Gulf partners.
Since the war began, Pakistan has been walking a diplomatic tightrope as it navigates the situation.
Pakistan wants to avoid becoming directly involved in the conflict despite having a mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia.
That was why it pushed for dialogue and diplomacy.
Sources said that if Pakistan’s efforts were successful, it would be a major diplomatic coup.
