Pakistan has successfully mediated a fragile two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran following intense diplomatic manoeuvres.
An anonymous Pakistani source informed the BBC that negotiations proceeded “at pace” through Islamabad, which acted as the primary intermediary.
Despite the high stakes, a “very small circle” of officials managed the talks with a “sombre and serious but still hopeful” outlook regarding the cessation of hostilities, reports BBC.
Pakistan maintains a historical and “brotherly” bond with Iran, sharing a border and deep cultural ties, while simultaneously managing its strategic relationship with Washington.
US President Donald Trump notably praised Pakistan’s military leadership, describing Field Marshall Asim Munir as his “favourite” Field Marshall and saying Munir understands Iran “better than most”.
The path to the agreement faced significant hurdles earlier in the week. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told Parliament on Tuesday that Islamabad remained optimistic until recent escalations, specifically an Israeli strike on Iran and a subsequent Iranian attack on Saudi Arabia.
Munir expressed overt criticism of the strike against Saudi Arabia, saying the action “spoils sincere efforts to resolve the conflict through peaceful means”.
Analysts believe this stern stance added necessary pressure on Tehran, particularly as Pakistan holds a currently uninvoked defence pact with Riyadh.
Shortly after midnight, Pakistan’s Prime Minister utilised X to report that “diplomatic efforts… are progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully with the potential to lead to substantive results in near future”.
He specifically requested that President Trump extend the deadline by a fortnight and urged Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for the same duration.
Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, later characterised the development as “a step forward from critical, sensitive stage”.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister officially confirmed the ceasefire just before 05:00 local time, inviting representatives from both nations to convene in Islamabad on Friday, 10 April, to “further negotiate for a conclusive agreement”.
However, officials remain cautious. The Pakistani source warned of “continued fragility” in the region, adding both sides maintain “strongly entrenched positions” and lack mutual trust.
Whether the two nations can find common ground during the upcoming talks in Islamabad remains the critical question.
