In the tense hours leading to the announcement of a two-week truce between the United States and Iran, Islamabad emerged as an unexpected linchpin. It offered glimmers of hope amid escalating Middle East chaos.
A Pakistani official speaking anonymously to the BBC described the backchannel talks as moving at pace. Pakistan acted as the crucial intermediary shuttling messages between Washington and Tehran. The team handling the delicate negotiations was confined to a very small circle. The official captured a mood that felt sombre and serious but still hopeful that a cessation of hostilities would be the outcome. There are a few hours left. Notably, the source was not among them.
Pakistan’s role draws on its deep historical ties to Iran, including a long shared border and frequent references to their brotherly relationship in diplomatic rhetoric. Ties to the U.S. have strengthened too, particularly under President Trump. He has called Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s army chief, his favourite Field Marshal. Trump credited him with understanding Iran better than most.
But the path to agreement was rocky. Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities on Monday, followed by Tehran’s attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure, threw momentum into disarray and rattled global markets.
In parliament on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar admitted that until yesterday they were very optimistic that things were moving in a positive direction. He stressed that Pakistan was still trying to manage things as much as possible. Field Marshal Munir went further in a military address. He warned that the Saudi assault spoils sincere efforts to resolve the conflict through peaceful means. These were some of Islamabad’s strongest words yet toward Tehran, especially with a defence pact linking Pakistan to Riyadh.
After midnight, Pakistan’s Prime Minister posted on X that diplomatic efforts are progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully with the potential to lead to substantive results in near future. He appealed for deadline extensions and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s ambassador in Islamabad soon echoed progress with a step forward from a critical, sensitive stage. By early morning, the Prime Minister confirmed the ceasefire. He invited both sides to Islamabad on 10 April to further negotiate for a conclusive agreement.
Yet fragility persists. The official told the BBC they are still being very circumspect. He cited continued fragility and lingering distrust. As Pakistan eyes hosting talks, the real test will be whether bitter adversaries can find common ground on nuclear issues and proxies.