It is indeed a matter of great relief and satisfaction for all of us that the talks between US and Iran have begun at Islamabad as per schedule. That it is no mean achievement is a fact because it clearly indicates that the task was difficult, not easy, and that the government of Pakistan deserves recognition for its historic effort that has not given birth to some legitimate hopes for peace in the region, it has also immensely improved Pakistan’s profile in the comity of nations.
The government seems to be fully mindful of the fact that the task is still ongoing, requiring significant work before completion. That is why perhaps prime minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly affirmed Pakistan’s sincere resolve to continue playing its role as a mediator to help build momentum towards achieving meaningful results in the interest of regional and global peace and stability.
We must not lose sight of the fact that the beginning of face-to-face talks between the US and Iran at Islamabad is just a small, preliminary part of a larger development. However, the contours of the likely outcome cannot be identified or predicted at this point in time.
Saadat Hassan Kermani, (Karachi)
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026