ISLAMABAD: Amidst a flurry of high-stakes shuttle diplomacy spanning Tehran and Riyadh, Pakistan has once again emerged as the central pivot in a daring regional effort to broker a historic ceasefire between the United States and Iran when White House signaled a pivotal communication appreciating Pakistan and its initiatives to bring peace deal to close.
Talking to media, White House press secretary said “The Pakistanis have been incredible mediators and we really appreciate their friendship and efforts to bring this deal to a close. The President feels it’s important to continue to streamline this communication through the Pakistanis.”
This statement, resonating through the halls of power in Islamabad, has set the stage for what many insiders are calling the ‘Islamabad Process.’
Meanwhile, the statement came when Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Defence Forces, is currently in Tehran for high-level consultations with Iran’s top civil and military leadership. Sources close to the Foreign Office suggest the Field Marshal is presenting a ‘middle-path’ framework designed to de-escalate tensions and secure a formal ceasefire agreement.
The visit is seen as a follow-up to the ‘Islamabad Talks’ held earlier this month, where representatives from Washington and Tehran reportedly sat in the same room for the first time in years. Field Marshal Munir’s presence in Tehran is being viewed by regional observers as a “guarantor mission,” aimed at addressing Iranian security concerns while conveying the international community’s expectations for nuclear restraint.
And simultaneously, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had arrived in Saudi Arabia, where he was briefing the Saudi leadership on the progress of Pakistan’s mediation efforts. The Prime Minister’s visit to Jeddah is aimed at ensuring that the broader Muslim world, led by Riyadh, is on board with the proposed peace roadmap.
“Pakistan is not just acting as a postman; we are acting as a bridge,” a senior diplomatic source said. “The Prime Minister is ensuring that any deal between the US and Iran contributes to a lasting, comprehensive peace in the Middle East, rather than just a temporary freeze of hostilities.”
Observers say the diplomatic offensive comes against the backdrop of a two-week ceasefire currently holding across various regional flashpoints. This “Islamabad Ceasefire” was facilitated by Pakistan’s intelligence and diplomatic channels, providing the necessary breathing room for the current high-level engagements.
The White House has increasingly leaned on Islamabad’s unique position—maintaining deep security ties with Washington while sharing a border and cultural affinity with Tehran. Analysts suggest that the State Department’s public commitment to a “diplomatically negotiated solution” is a direct nod to the viability of the Pakistani-hosted talks.
