Pakistan steps up diplomacy to facilitate US-Iran talks in Islamabad

Pakistan has intensified diplomatic engagement with Washington and Tehran in an effort to ensure planned US-Iran talks proceed as early as April 21, officials said on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to speak publicly.

The developments come as preparations accelerate in Islamabad for a second round of negotiations expected to take place in the Pakistani capital this week, amid heightened security measures and behind-the-scenes diplomacy, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker at the US Embassy in Islamabad on Sunday, according to a statement from his office.

The meeting focused on strengthening Pakistan-US relations and preparations for the upcoming talks. “The meeting focused on strengthening Pakistan-US relations and preparations for a second round of talks scheduled to take place in Islamabad this week,” Naqvi’s office said, without specifying when the discussions would begin.

Naqvi also briefed the US diplomat on security arrangements for visiting delegations.

“We have made comprehensive security arrangements for our distinguished guests,” Naqvi says in the statement.

Baker, according to the statement, expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s role in reducing regional tensions and facilitating dialogue.

Separately, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a phone call late on Sunday with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to a statement from Sharif’s office, which did not refer directly to the planned talks.

By Aghakazim Guliyev