Pakistan has called on the United States and Iran to extend their current two-week ceasefire, emphasizing the importance of continued dialogue and diplomatic efforts. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar made this appeal during a meeting with US Charge d’Affaires Natalie A Baker. He reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position that dialogue remains the sole effective approach to resolving ongoing conflicts and securing lasting peace and stability in the region.
During the discussion, DPM Dar highlighted the urgent need for engagement between Washington and Tehran, urging both parties to consider prolonging the ceasefire. Meanwhile, Baker expressed Washington’s gratitude for Pakistan’s constructive role in fostering regional peace and facilitating communication between the two sides.
In a significant development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif brokered the initial two-week ceasefire on April 8, following six weeks of intense conflict in the Middle East. He also extended invitations to delegations from both countries to convene in Islamabad to negotiate a resolution. However, the first round of talks, which lasted approximately 21 hours, ended without an agreement due to disagreements over critical issues such as Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, the status of the Strait of Hormuz, and the lifting of US sanctions on Iran.
The conflict escalated on February 28 when the US and Israel launched a joint bombing campaign targeting Iran. The situation intensified as Iran responded by effectively blocking the Strait of Hormuz and conducting attacks against Israel and US military bases throughout the region.
Pakistan’s call for an extension of the ceasefire coincides with its ongoing preparations to host the second round of negotiations. Washington has confirmed that its delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, will soon arrive in Islamabad for the talks. The US team is also expected to include former President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. However, Tehran has yet to confirm its participation, with Iranian state television denying reports that any delegation has departed for Pakistan.
US President Donald Trump previously stated that the ceasefire would expire on Wednesday evening, Washington time. In a recent interview, he expressed reluctance to extend the truce, asserting that the US holds a strong negotiating position and anticipates securing a favorable deal.
Separately, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that Islamabad remains in close contact with Iranian officials, continuing to pursue diplomacy and dialogue. He noted that a formal response from Iran regarding its delegation’s attendance at the Islamabad talks is still awaited. The ceasefire is scheduled to end at 4:50am Pakistan Time on Wednesday, April 22, making Iran’s decision on participation before that deadline crucial.
Tarar emphasized Pakistan’s sincere efforts to persuade Iranian leadership to join the second round of negotiations and pledged that Islamabad will persist in its endeavors to bring Iran back to the negotiating table.
