Pakistan Print edition: 2026-04-23

Resolution of ME crisis: ‘Pakistan remains committed to playing diplomatic role’

Published April 23, 2026 Updated April 23, 2026 02:22am

2 min

By Naveed Siddiqui

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan remains committed to its diplomatic role in resolving the Middle East crisis, as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) held extensive consultations on Wednesday. The high-level session focused on reviewing evolving regional dynamics and preparing for a potential second round of the “Islamabad Talks” between the United States and Iran.

Despite the US and Iranian delegations’ refusal to proceed with the second phase of the Islamabad Talks, the Red Zone and other key roads and avenues in the federal capital remained sealed to the general public for the fifth consecutive day on Wednesday.

As US President Donald Trump reiterated that peace talks with Iran could begin very soon, possibly even on Friday, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister (DPM/FM) Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar chaired a high-level meeting at MOFA to discuss emerging developments.

While the US president is pushing for an immediate start, sources in Islamabad indicated “positive mediation efforts with Tehran.” It was also revealed that talks between the two sides are ongoing at the senior officials’ level.

These developments suggest that formal peace talks are likely to take place within the next 36 to 72 hours, sources added.

In light of these developments, the Deputy Prime Minister reviewed the situation and discussed upcoming international engagements. The meeting was attended by Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the session, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized proactive engagement on key foreign policy priorities, highlighting the need for clarity of purpose, strategic foresight, and a strong focus on results.

Islamabad has remained under strict security, with the deployment of over 20,000 personnel, due to the visit of U.S. Vice President JD Vance and an Iranian delegation for the initial phase of the Islamabad Talks, which was discontinued on April 12.

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