Pakistan urges US and Iran to extend ceasefire

In a significant diplomatic move, Pakistan has publicly called for an extension of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, a crucial development as the current truce nears its April 22 expiration. The Times of Oman reports that Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, conveyed this message during a meeting with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker in Islamabad. This stance reiterates Pakistan's long-held position advocating for dialogue and diplomacy as the primary means to resolve regional conflicts and foster lasting stability.

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Pakistan ⁠has ⁠urged United States and Iran ⁠to extend their two-week ⁠ceasefire.

Dar underscored the importance of sustained engagement between Washington and Tehran, urging both parties to consider prolonging the ceasefire. This appeal highlights Pakistan's strategic interest in a de-escalated regional environment, recognizing that instability in neighboring areas directly impacts its own security and economic interests. Pakistan's consistent emphasis on peaceful resolution positions it as a potential mediator or facilitator in complex geopolitical situations.

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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Mohammad Ishaq Dar underscored Pakistan’s consistent emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable means to address challenges and achieve lasting regional peace and stability.

Notably, Chargé d’Affaires Baker conveyed the U.S. government's appreciation for Pakistan's "constructive and positive role" in promoting regional peace and aiding dialogue efforts. This acknowledgment suggests that Pakistan's diplomatic initiatives are recognized and valued by key international players, reinforcing its position on the global stage.

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Ishaq Dar stressed the need for engagement between the United States and Iran and urged both the sides to consider extending the ceasefire, and to give dialogue and diplomacy a chance.

From Pakistan's perspective, maintaining regional peace is not merely a foreign policy objective but a national imperative. The volatile geopolitical landscape of the Middle East has direct implications for Pakistan, influencing energy security, trade routes, and the potential for refugee flows. Therefore, advocating for a ceasefire extension and promoting dialogue is a pragmatic approach rooted in safeguarding its own national interests. While international coverage might focus on the U.S.-Iran dynamic, Pakistan's involvement underscores its aspiration to play a stabilizing role in a critical region, leveraging its diplomatic channels to foster an environment conducive to peace and economic cooperation.

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U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker called on the deputy prime minister and both sides discussed recent regional developments.