rki.news | Sources Dawn News
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan says it is still awaiting a formal response from Iran regarding its participation in the second round of peace talks with the United States, as diplomatic efforts continue ahead of the expiry of a two-week ceasefire.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Tuesday that Islamabad remains in continuous contact with Iranian authorities, but no official confirmation had been received as of 7:30pm PST regarding Tehran’s participation in the upcoming talks.
He stressed that the ceasefire is set to end at 4:50am PST on April 22, adding that Iran’s decision to attend the negotiations before the deadline is “critical” for maintaining diplomatic momentum.
Tarar said Pakistan has made “sincere and sustained efforts” to persuade the Iranian leadership to join the second round of discussions, and these efforts continue.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged both the United States and Iran to consider extending the ceasefire to allow space for dialogue and diplomacy. He made these remarks during a meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker, where regional developments were discussed.
According to the Foreign Office, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s position that dialogue remains the only viable path to resolving disputes and achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
The FO added that the US diplomat appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace and facilitating diplomatic engagement between the parties.
Pakistan continues to position itself as a facilitator of dialogue as uncertainty persists over whether the next round of talks will proceed as planned.