ISLAMABAD: Islamabad remains at the centre of ongoing diplomatic activity as Pakistan continues to facilitate engagement linked to the proposed Iran-US discussions in the federal capital.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has stated that Pakistan is still awaiting a formal response from Tehran regarding its participation in the upcoming round of talks in Islamabad, even as diplomatic efforts continue at multiple levels.
As of 1930 PST, no official confirmation has been received from Iran regarding the composition or dispatch of its delegation.
The situation remains fluid, with Pakistan maintaining continuous contact with Iranian authorities while also coordinating broader diplomatic exchanges aimed at keeping the dialogue process intact. Officials indicate that Islamabad remains fully committed to advancing negotiations through diplomacy and sustained engagement.
Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that Pakistan, acting as a mediator, remains in constant communication with Iran. In a statement shared on social media platform X, he reiterated that Islamabad is actively pursuing the path of diplomacy and dialogue in order to ensure continued engagement between the parties involved.
He added that Pakistan has made sincere and sustained efforts to persuade the Iranian leadership to participate in the second round of talks in Islamabad. These efforts, according to him, are ongoing and reflect Islamabad’s continued commitment to facilitating dialogue at a critical juncture in regional diplomacy.
Diplomatic sources suggest that multiple channels of communication remain active between Islamabad and Tehran, with Pakistan emphasising the importance of maintaining momentum in the negotiation process. The mediation effort is being described as continuous, with Pakistan positioning itself as a facilitator to ensure that dialogue does not stall.
US-Iran ceasefire
A key factor influencing the current diplomatic environment is the approaching expiry of the ongoing ceasefire arrangement. Officials have confirmed that the ceasefire is set to end at 4:50 am PST on 22 April, adding urgency to the ongoing diplomatic exchanges.
The two-week ceasefire period has been widely viewed as a critical window for advancing negotiations, and Pakistan has reportedly stressed the importance of Iran’s participation in the talks before the deadline expires. The timing of Tehran’s decision is being closely monitored, as it is expected to play a decisive role in determining whether the second round of discussions in Islamabad proceeds as planned.
Trump says he does not want to extend ceasefire with Iran
Diplomatic observers note that the remaining hours before the ceasefire expiry are crucial, with Pakistan continuing its efforts to secure a formal commitment from Iran. The uncertainty surrounding participation has placed additional emphasis on ongoing mediation efforts.
Pakistan’s mediation role
Pakistan’s role as a mediator has remained central throughout the process, with sustained engagement maintained with Iranian officials and other relevant stakeholders. Islamabad has consistently emphasised dialogue as the preferred pathway for de-escalation and regional stability.
Officials state that Pakistan’s approach has focused on keeping communication channels open while encouraging constructive participation in the proposed talks. The mediation effort includes ongoing diplomatic outreach aimed at aligning positions ahead of the next phase of negotiations.
Attaullah Tarar reiterated that Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate the second round of talks continue without interruption. He emphasised that Islamabad remains committed to ensuring that diplomatic engagement remains active and that the negotiating process is not derailed at a sensitive time.
