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Pakistan says formal response from Iran still awaited

By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Tuesday that a formal response from Iran confirming participation in the Islamabad peace talks is still awaited, even as diplomatic efforts continue ahead of the ceasefire deadline.

Giving an update on the situation at 1930 PST, the minister said Islamabad remains in constant contact with Tehran and is actively pursuing diplomacy and dialogue as a mediator.

He noted that the two-week ceasefire is set to expire at 4:50 a.m. PST on April 22, stressing that Iran’s decision to attend the talks before the deadline is critical.

Tarar added that Pakistan has made sincere efforts to persuade the Iranian leadership to participate in the second round of negotiations, and these efforts are ongoing.

Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator between the United States and Iran following weeks of heightened tensions and military escalation in the region. A fragile two-week ceasefire, facilitated through diplomatic engagement, created a narrow window for negotiations aimed at preventing further conflict.

However, uncertainty persists over Iran’s participation in the Islamabad talks, with no formal confirmation received so far despite ongoing contacts.

The situation has become increasingly urgent as the ceasefire deadline approaches, with global attention focused on whether diplomatic efforts can prevent a return to hostilities.