Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan intensified its diplomatic outreach on Wednesday as both civilian and military leadership engaged key regional stakeholders amid efforts to sustain the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
While the White House signalled optimism about a possible second round of talks in Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif embarked on a multi-nation visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Türkiye, while Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir led a high-level delegation to Tehran.
Field Marshal Munir’s visit comes at a critical juncture, just days before the expiry of the two-week truce brokered with Pakistan’s facilitation. The visit also follows continued backchannel engagements after last week’s Islamabad talks ended without a formal agreement, though diplomatic channels remained open.
The army chief carried key messages linked to ceasefire efforts, including developments related to Lebanon, where a potential truce remains tied to the broader regional negotiations, Dawn reported citing sources. Iran is said to be assessing both Israeli actions and US commitments before determining its next steps.
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who received the delegation, welcomed the visit and appreciated Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue, describing it as a reflection of strong bilateral ties and a shared commitment to regional peace.
The Pakistani delegation includes Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and senior officials from foreign affairs and security institutions. National Security Adviser Lt Gen Asim Malik also joined the discussions separately.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed that detailed exchanges were underway, focusing on the outcomes of the Islamabad talks and subsequent diplomatic contacts between Pakistan, Iran and the United States.
Pakistani officials described the engagements as part of sustained efforts to preserve the ceasefire and lay the groundwork for a second round of negotiations. Islamabad continues to serve as the primary communication channel between Tehran and Washington.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said the war was “close to over” and hinted at renewed talks, with Washington indicating that Islamabad could once again host the next round. Diplomatic sources also pointed to possible reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as a step toward easing pressure on global energy markets, the report added.
At the same time, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Riyadh, where he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and briefed him on the Islamabad talks and Pakistan’s mediation efforts. The visit, while officially focused on economic and defence cooperation, is also closely linked to the broader regional peace initiative.
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Saudi Arabia has publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s role, with recent financial support further underscoring the strength of bilateral ties. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar accompanied the premier during the visit.
Officials said the prime minister would continue consultations in Qatar and Türkiye, where discussions will cover both economic cooperation and regional security. In Türkiye, he is scheduled to attend the Antalya Diplomacy Forum and engage with global leaders, including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
