Pakistan sets the stage for next round of talks

Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Thursday held a series of high-level meetings in Tehran with Iran's top political and military leadership, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, as part of Islamabad's efforts to lay the groundwork for the next round of Iran-US talks expected in Islamabad. During the visit, Field Marshal Munir called on President Pezeshkian and discussed the evolving regional situation, with a particular focus on de-escalation efforts and the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement. Both sides exchanged views on prospects for peace and stability in the region and underscored the need for continued coordination to reduce tensions. In a parallel set of engagements, the army chief met Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf and senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including the head of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters. Discussions with the Iranian military leadership focused on steps taken under the emerging framework aimed at ending hostilities. Field Marshal Munir also shared insights from his recent interactions in Tehran, while both sides deliberated on the broader regional security environment. He emphasised that efforts aimed at ending the conflict and reducing tensions must be pursued with consistency and seriousness, highlighting the importance of maintaining momentum in ongoing diplomatic and backchannel engagements. The meetings are being seen as part of Pakistan's intensifying diplomatic push to facilitate renewed dialogue between Tehran and Washington. Islamabad has increasingly positioned itself as a key intermediary amid heightened regional volatility. Pakistan's role has also received rare public endorsement from Washington. A day earlier, the White House acknowledged Islamabad's mediation efforts, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that President Donald Trump viewed Pakistan as the primary channel for engagement with Iran. She noted that while several countries had offered assistance, the United States preferred to continue its outreach through Pakistan, describing Islamabad as an "effective and trusted mediator" that had helped bring both sides closer to a potential agreement. Meanwhile, on the diplomatic front, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Doha on Thursday and held an extensive meeting with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The two leaders discussed the evolving situation in the Middle East and agreed on the need to reinforce efforts aimed at de-escalation and regional stability. The Qatari leadership appreciated Pakistan's constructive role in promoting dialogue, while Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed solidarity with Qatar and condemned recent attacks targeting Gulf states. Both sides also reviewed bilateral ties, agreeing to enhance cooperation in key sectors including security, defence, and energy, while emphasising the importance of ensuring uninterrupted global energy supplies amid ongoing tensions. Officials said the flurry of diplomatic engagements in Tehran and Doha reflects a coordinated Pakistani effort to build consensus and create conducive conditions for the resumption of meaningful Iran-US negotiations. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday arrived in Türkiye on an official visit to attend the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum. The Governor of Antalya, Hulusi Sahin, warmly received the prime minister and the Pakistani delegation at the airport. Pakistan's Ambassador to Turkiye, Yusuf Junaid, along with senior diplomatic officials, was also present on the occasion. The prime minister will attend the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum tomorrow. During the forum, the prime minister will participate in the "Leaders Panel" to present Pakistan's perspective. On this occasion, bilateral meetings of the prime minister are also expected with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other key global leaders. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, and the Prime Minister's spokesperson for international media Musharraf Zaidi are accompanying the prime minister as part of the Pakistani delegation. A key four-nation foreign ministers' conference is set to be held in Turkiye on Saturday (tomorrow), bringing together Pakistan, Turkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia to deliberate on pressing regional developments, particularly the security situation in the Middle East. Diplomatic sources said the high-level meeting will see the participation of foreign ministers from these countries, with discussions expected to focus on regional stability, emerging security challenges, and the search for coordinated diplomatic responses to ongoing crises. Pakistan will be represented at the conference by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who will lead the country's delegation in the consultations. The meeting is part of an ongoing process, following an earlier round held in Islamabad, officials said. The meeting is expected to examine in detail the continuing tensions between Iran and the United States, along with the wider implications of instability in the Middle East, as well as regional cooperation in diverse fields. Diplomatic sources indicated that the agenda will include an in-depth review of current regional volatility, possible risks of escalation, and the development of a shared strategy to support peace and stability in the region. In addition to security-related issues, the participating countries are also expected to discuss broader areas of cooperation, including counterterrorism efforts, energy collaboration, and the strengthening of regional connectivity frameworks. The meeting is taking place at a time of heightened strain between Iran and the US. Diplomatic observers believe the outcome of the discussions could play an important role in shaping future efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East.