How Pakistan helped secure a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran

As the two-week ceasefire between Iran and the US neared its conclusion, Pakistan played a pivotal role in maintaining diplomatic momentum. A confidential report from an Islamabad-based informant shared with the BBC indicated that negotiations were progressing swiftly, with Pakistan acting as a key bridge between the two nations. The talks, confined to a select group of officials, were described as “sombre and serious” yet imbued with cautious optimism. The informant noted that “a cessation of hostilities remains the ultimate goal, though time is running short.”

Pakistan’s engagement with both sides has been ongoing, facilitating communication amid the escalating tensions. Its longstanding ties with Iran, including a shared border and a history of collaboration, have positioned it as a trusted mediator. Meanwhile, the U.S. relationship with Pakistan has been marked by President Trump’s personal rapport with Field Marshal Asim Munir, the head of Pakistan’s military. Trump once remarked that he “knows Iran better than most” and praised Munir as his “favourite” officer.

Just days before the ceasefire was finalized, the situation remained uncertain. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, stated in a parliamentary address that “until yesterday, we were very optimistic about progress” until Israel’s strike on Iran and Iran’s retaliatory attack on Saudi Arabia disrupted the calm. Dar emphasized that Pakistan “was still working to stabilize the situation as best as possible.”

“The attack on Saudi Arabia spoils sincere efforts to resolve the conflict through peaceful means,” said Field Marshal Munir to military personnel, marking a sharp critique of Iran’s actions. This was the most pointed criticism from Pakistan’s military leadership since the crisis began.

Later that night, Pakistan’s Prime Minister took to X, declaring that “diplomatic efforts… are advancing steadily, strongly and powerfully, with the possibility of achieving significant outcomes soon.” He urged Trump to prolong the ceasefire for two additional weeks and requested Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open during the same period. Shortly after, Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, echoed this sentiment on X, stating there had been “a step forward from a critical, sensitive stage.”

By early morning, the Prime Minister announced that a ceasefire had been reached and invited both the U.S. and Iran to convene in Islamabad on April 10 for further discussions. The Islamabad source, speaking to the BBC, cautioned that “the situation remains highly delicate” and that “trust between the parties is still lacking, with entrenched positions.”