Home Minister says Prime Minister Shehbaz, Field Marshal Munir is making great efforts at all levels to solve the problem
Mohsin Naqvi met Natalie Baker in Islamabad on Wednesday, April 23, 2026.
US Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie Baker met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday, where both discussed diplomatic efforts regarding the second round of talks in Islamabad.
According to the interior ministry, the two sides discussed the evolving regional situation and “reviewed progress on diplomacy ahead of the second round of Islamabad talks.”
Naqvi stated that positive progress was also expected from Iran as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir made vigorous efforts at all levels to resolve the issue.
“It is hoped that both sides will give diplomacy and a peaceful solution a chance,” Naqvi said.
فاصلی وزیرداخلہ Mohsen Naqvi سے American Ambassador Natalie Baker کی کے کے کے کے
Detailed discussion on the latest situation in the region
اسلاماباد کھرتی ک بات کیت regarding the holding of the second round of negotiations pic.twitter.com/CA7ylfcxWR— Ministry of Home Affairs GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) 23 April 2026
The statement further added that the interior minister appreciated US President Donald Trump for his initiative to extend the ceasefire, calling it ‘an important development’ towards easing tensions in the region.
“Natalie praised Pakistan’s constructive role in bringing peace to the region and resolving the conflict,” the statement concluded.
US-Pakistan ties in the context of the ongoing crisis with Iran reflect a pragmatic, security-driven partnership in which Islamabad has positioned itself as a key intermediary.
Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire — expressly acknowledging requests from Prime Minister Shehbaz and CDF Munir — underscores Washington’s reliance on Pakistan’s backchannel diplomacy at a moment of heightened regional volatility.
Read more: ‘Good news’ about peace talks possible as early as Friday, says Trump to the NY Post
Despite historically fluctuating ties, particularly after the war in Afghanistan, the current engagement signals a renewed convergence, with Pakistan’s geographic leverage and diplomatic access central to dealing with escalation risks in the Gulf.
At the same time, the dynamics of war complicate this cooperation, as the United States continues to maintain military pressure on Iran through blockades and deterrence, even as it supports negotiations facilitated by Islamabad. Pakistan’s role as an “honest broker” allows it to engage both Washington and Tehran, but also places it in a delicate position amid competing strategic expectations.
For the US, cooperation with Pakistan offers a channel to de-escalate without direct concessions, while mediation for Islamabad improves its global diplomatic standing without direct military involvement. However, the sustainability of this alignment will depend on whether negotiations produce tangible results or whether renewed hostilities force both sides back to a more transactional, security-first relationship.
