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Pakistan has amped up its behind-the-scenes diplomacy with both the US and Iran, in a bid to get them both to the negotiating table and actively push them to get a fresh round of talks started as early as April 22, when the ceasefire is set to expire.
As per Pakistani officials, attempts at opening diplomatic contacts have intensified manifold in the past 24 hours, with efforts focused on locking in the next round of negotiations in Islamabad, after the last one ended in failure.
For this purpose, Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker at the US Embassy, where both sides discussed preparations for the talks and broader Pakistan-US coordination.
Naqvi further briefed Baker on security arrangements, saying special measures had been taken to ensure the safety of visiting delegations. “We have made comprehensive security arrangements for our distinguished guests,” Naqvi said in his statement.
Baker, in turn, acknowledged Pakistan’s role in trying to ease tensions and keep dialogue moving, as both the ceasefire and negotiations undergo a highly fragile and volatile change.
Simultaneously, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke to the Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on phone, and though the official readout did not mention the talks directly, the call notably came as Pakistan continues to shuttle messages between the two sides.
On the ground in Islamabad, security has tightened noticeably. Key roads have been sealed off, particularly around the Red Zone and the hotel expected to host the delegations, leading to massive security.
Troops have been deployed at checkpoints, tourist sites have been closed, and hotels have been told to restrict bookings to accommodate officials arriving for the talks.
