ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan intensified its behind-the-scenes and overt diplomatic efforts on Wednesday to revive the stalled the 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 called on the premier to discuss the evolving regional situation and ongoing peace efforts.

“Amb. Reza Amiri Moghadam, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on 22.4.2026 to discuss the ongoing regional situation and peace efforts,” the statement read.

While the official handout did not divulge further details, diplomatic sources said the meeting took place at a critical juncture 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, with messages being exchanged in an effort to persuade Tehran to rejoin the dialogue process.

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

The latest round of negotiations, scheduled for Wednesday, was put on hold after Iran declined to participate, casting a shadow over fragile progress achieved so far.

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

The move was aimed at allowing diplomacy to regain momentum and giving Tehran time to formulate a unified response to Washington’s proposals.

Even as there was no official confirmation regarding the resumption of talks, security in the federal capital remained unusually tight.

Key routes leading to Islamabad’s Red Zone, housing sensitive government installations and diplomatic missions, continued to remain sealed, indicating that authorities were still preparing for a possible high-level engagement.

Diplomatic observers believe these measures signal that, despite the current impasse, a window, albeit narrow, still exists for negotiations to resume in Islamabad.

With both sides holding firm positions and the diplomatic track hanging in the balance, 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 facilitative role in bringing the US 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 X, both sides discussed the evolving regional situation, while “FM Dar underscored Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to facilitate engagement and emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in the peaceful resolution of disputes.”

The British envoy “appreciated and supported Pakistan’s facilitative role in bringing the US and Iran to the negotiating table,’ the statement added.

Dar also spoke with Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan.

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

DPM/FM Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic, Jeenbek Kulubaev.

During the interaction, both the dignitaries exchanged views on bilateral ties and reaffirmed the strength of Pakistan–Kyrgyz relations, a DPM’s Office news release said.

Discussing the evolving regional situation, FM Kulubaev appreciated the DPM/FM’s efforts and Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting dialogue and diplomacy for regional peace and stability.

Both sides agreed to remain in close contact.