By Zahid Shah 

ISLAMABAD - For the first time in decades, the world’s eyes are fixed on Islamabad, not because of war or instability, but because Pakistan has done what no other nation could: bring the highest-level officials of the United States and Iran to the same table.

As negotiations enter a critical phase at the Serena Hotel, as both sides have reportedly shown normal body language, signaling cautious but genuine progress.

This moment is being hailed as a triumph of "proactive, sincere, and calculated diplomacy"—a victory not just for Pakistan, but for global peace.

The international community has responded with an unprecedented wave of appreciation for Pakistan’s efforts. In a stunning display of diplomatic recognition, world leaders from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond have telephoned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to express their gratitude.

• France: President Emmanuel Macron congratulated Pakistan for its mediation efforts that resulted in the ceasefire and brought both sides to the negotiating table.

• Germany: Chancellor Friedrich Merz appreciated Pakistan’s "sincere mediation efforts" and stressed the importance of upholding the ceasefire.

• Italy: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised Pakistan’s successful diplomatic efforts and welcomed the joint statement by European leaders supporting Pakistan’s role.

• United Kingdom: Prime Minister Keir Starmer also reached out, acknowledging Pakistan’s constructive role.

• Austria: Chancellor Christian Stocker expressed strong endorsement of Pakistan’s mediation.

• European Union: EU leaders echoed calls for de-escalation and supported Pakistan’s facilitation.

• Malaysia & Turkiye: Leaders from the Muslim world have also rallied behind Islamabad, recognizing its leadership in safeguarding the interests of the Ummah.

The Amir of Qatar, the King of Bahrain, and the Prime Minister of Lebanon also held "warm and cordial" conversations with PM Sharif, commending Pakistan’s wisdom and sagacity.

- India’s Unease and Pakistan’s Triumph

While the world applauds, regional rival India has watched the developments with visible unease. Indian media and political figures have struggled to digest the fact that Pakistan -- often targeted by India through its proxy warfare -- has emerged as an indispensable peacemaker.

Former Indian diplomat Shashi Tharoor publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s role, calling it a "significant diplomatic achievement" and warning that India appears to be "lagging behind diplomatically". Opposition parties in India have accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of being sidelined while Pakistan takes center stage.

Pakistan, however, has proven that despite being targeted by Indian-sponsored terrorist proxies and facing relentless propaganda, it remains a source of peace and stability. While India struggles to explain its absence from the table, Pakistan has delivered results.

- How Pakistan Stopped a Global Energy Crisis

The stakes could not have been higher. The war in the Middle East had created a crippling global energy crisis. With the Strait of Hormuz -- through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil passes -- under threat, fuel prices soared. The average price of a gallon of gas in the US rose 39% since the start of the conflict.

World leaders were urging President Trump to stop the war, but no one knew how to bring both sides to the table. That is when Pakistan stepped in.

According to a dramatic account by the Financial Times, while Trump publicly threatened to annihilate Iranian civilization, his administration was secretly in contact with Pakistan to broker a back-channel ceasefire. Worried by soaring oil prices and Iran’s unexpected military resilience, Washington turned to Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, who became the linchpin of the effort.

Munir and his team shuttled messages between Iranian political and military figures and top US officials, including Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. The deal that emerged was a two-week pause in exchange for Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz, pulling the world back from the brink of economic disaster.

This is not the first time Pakistan has saved the world from catastrophe. Throughout history, Islamabad has served as a unique diplomatic bridge, leveraging its strategic position and trusted relationships to resolve seemingly impossible conflicts.

- The Secret Path to China (1971)

In one of the most covert and consequential diplomatic missions of the 20th century, Pakistan facilitated the secret trip of US National Security Adviser Henry Kissinger to Beijing via Islamabad. A Pakistani government aircraft secretly carried Kissinger from Islamabad to China, paving the way for President Richard Nixon’s historic 1972 visit and the eventual normalization of US-China relations. Without Pakistan’s trusted mediation, the rapprochement between the US and China might never have happened.

 - The Soviet Exit from Afghanistan (1980s)

During the Soviet-Afghan War, Pakistan became the frontline state. Pakistan’s strategic depth and military coordination had played key role in forcing the Red Army to withdraw in defeat. The Geneva Accords, which formalized the Soviet pullout, were negotiated with Pakistan playing a pivotal role.

-  The US Exit from Afghanistan (2021)

Fast forward to the 21st century, Pakistan once again facilitated the United States, this time in ending its longest war. The US relied on Pakistani intelligence and military cooperation to secure the peace deal with the Afghan Taliban that led to the withdrawal of US troops in 2021. While the withdrawal was chaotic, Pakistan’s role as an essential partner in the peace process was undeniable.

- A New Benchmark for Military-Diplomatic Synergy

What makes the current achievement unique is the seamless synergy between Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has emerged as a visionary statesman. His personal engagement -- including direct phone calls with President Trump and shuttling messages between Tehran and Washington -- was instrumental.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, meanwhile, managed the political and diplomatic front, holding marathon sessions with world leaders and personally inviting the Iranian and US delegations to Islamabad.

Together, they have set a new benchmark. As one analyst put it, Pakistan has transitioned from a country navigating crises to a nation that solves them.

As the talks continue in Islamabad, the world waits with bated breath. The job is half done. A temporary ceasefire must be converted into a permanent peace.

But for now, Pakistan has earned its moment in the sun. It has been proven that it is not just a regional security stabilizer, but a global peacemaker.