Pakistan had an important part in the establishment of the two-week ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran. This turned out to be one of the greatest diplomatic achievements of Pakistan.
After the conflict escalated on February 28, Pakistan swiftly responded. In this situation, the representatives of Pakistan immediately engaged themselves in communicating with both sides, yet remaining officially neutral. Being a guardian of Iran’s interests in the US, Pakistan was uniquely placed to mediate between two states that had no direct contact.
Pakistan Steps Up as Trusted Mediator
Furthermore, good relations with the US, Iran, China, and the Gulf countries allowed Islamabad to spearhead the initiative. The country’s top leadership, consisting of the prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, and the foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, contacted more than a dozen foreign leaders. They garnered backing for a temporary truce as a precursor to substantive negotiations. Meanwhile, the country’s army chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, conducted important discussions with his US counterparts to bolster the civilian initiative.
The most visible diplomatic effort came on March 29 and 30. On these dates, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey convened in Islamabad. They explored the possibility of de-escalation through structured negotiations taking place in the Pakistani capital.
Even though the initial diplomatic efforts appeared to falter, the diplomats continued their back-channel diplomacy. They proposed a detailed plan. It called for an immediate end to large-scale military offensives and two weeks of negotiations and confidence-building measures along vital sea lanes.
Unexpected Gains for Regional Stability
Furthermore, it was also ensured by Pakistan that Iran’s insistence on bringing Lebanon into the agreement was considered during the talks. It is stated that observers have been shocked at this outcome. With the increasing pressure and fear of full-blown war in mind, the two parties finally agreed on a truce on April 7.
The next phase of negotiations will take place in Pakistan’s capital city on April 10. The success of the upcoming negotiations would make this temporary cessation become a permanent agreement. This indicates Pakistan’s increased influence within the region. It also shows its role as a significant mediator.
