Pakistan's Role in Ceasefire Negotiations
In the hours leading up to the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the US, Pakistan showed subtle signs of hope. A source from Pakistan, speaking anonymously to the BBC, indicated that negotiations were progressing "at pace," with Pakistan acting as an intermediary between the two nations.
The individuals involved in the negotiations on Pakistan's side comprised "a very small circle," with the atmosphere described as "sombre and serious but still hopeful that a cessation of hostilities will be the outcome. There are a few hours left." The source clarified that they were not part of this small group.
Historical and Diplomatic Context
Pakistan has served as a conduit for communication between Iran and the US over recent weeks, relaying messages between the parties. Pakistan maintains a historic relationship with Iran, sharing a border and often referring to their "brotherly" ties.
Regarding its relationship with the US, President Trump has expressed admiration for Pakistan's military leadership, referring to the head of Pakistan's armed forces, Field Marshall Asim Munir, as his "favourite" Field Marshall and noting that Munir understands Iran "better than most."
Challenges to the Agreement
Despite these efforts, an agreement was not guaranteed. Speaking in parliament on Tuesday night, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated:
"Until yesterday we were very optimistic that things are moving in a positive direction,"
However, this optimism was tempered by recent events, including an Israeli attack on Iran on Monday and Iran's subsequent attack on Saudi Arabia.
Dar added that Pakistan "was still trying to manage things as much as possible."
Field Marshall Munir expressed stronger criticism, addressing military officials on Tuesday:
"The attack on Saudi Arabia spoils sincere efforts to resolve the conflict through peaceful means."
This statement represents some of the strongest language Pakistan has used towards Iran since the conflict began.
Regional Implications and Pakistan's Position
Some analysts have suggested that Pakistan's stance could increase pressure on Iran. Pakistan holds a defence pact with Saudi Arabia, which has not yet been invoked despite repeated attacks on Saudi territory.
Shortly after midnight in Pakistan, the country's Prime Minister posted on X (formerly Twitter):
"Diplomatic efforts… are progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully with the potential to lead to substantive results in near future"
He also requested that President Trump extend the deadline for two weeks and urged Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz for the same period.
Iran's ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, posted on X around 03:00 local time (midnight BST):
"There had been a step forward from critical, sensitive stage."
Ceasefire Announcement and Future Negotiations
Just before 05:00, Pakistan's Prime Minister announced that a ceasefire had been agreed upon and invited both parties to meet in Islamabad on Friday, 10 April, to "further negotiate for a conclusive agreement."
The Pakistan source told the BBC:
"We are still being very circumspect,"
noting the "continued fragility" of the situation. The source emphasized that there remains no trust between the two sides, which hold strongly entrenched positions.
While Pakistan may host both parties at the negotiating table, the critical question remains: what can they find to agree upon?
