Business Recorder
ISLAMABAD: The fate of the second round of Islamabad Talks hangs in the balance, as Iran’s formal confirmation remains awaited, while Pakistan presses Washington and Tehran to extend the ceasefire that expired on Tuesday night. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that a formal response from Iran regarding confirmation of its delegation for the Islamabad Peace Talks was still awaited as of 7:30 pm. “Pakistan, as the mediator, is in constant touch with the Iranian side and pursuing the path of diplomacy and dialogue,” he wrote on his X handle on Tuesday. The ceasefire is set to end at 4:50 am PST on April 22. Iran’s decision on whether to attend the talks before the end of the two-week ceasefire is seen as critical. Tarar further stated that Pakistan has made sincere efforts to convince the Iranian leadership to participate in the second round of talks, and these efforts are ongoing. Earlier, in a much-anticipated move, Pakistan stressed the need for engagement between the United States and Iran, urging both sides to consider extending the ceasefire that expired on Tuesday night (April 21). Islamabad also called on Washington and Tehran to give dialogue and diplomacy another chance, according to a Foreign Office statement issued on Tuesday. READ MORE: Pakistan’s Dar urges US, Iran to consider extending ceasefire US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker called on Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), where they held extensive discussions on recent regional developments following Iran’s continued refusal to enter into negotiations with the United States in Islamabad. The DPM/FM underscored Pakistan’s consistent emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable means to address challenges and achieve lasting regional peace and stability. Cd’A Baker conveyed U.S. appreciation for Pakistan’s constructive and positive role in promoting regional peace and facilitating dialogue. US President Donald Trump has, on multiple occasions, announced that a Vice President-led delegation would head to Islamabad for the second round of talks. However, Iran has declined to send its delegation until Washington withdraws its naval blockade at the Strait of Hormuz and releases a seized cargo ship reportedly coming from China. Pakistan has taken several stringent security measures, deploying over 20,000 personnel ahead of the anticipated dialogue and effectively cordoning off the capital since Sunday afternoon. A large number of US officials and technical experts have already arrived in Islamabad ahead of the expected talks, but no breakthrough has been achieved so far. According to President Donald Trump, “the time for negotiations has run out,” and he is prepared to return to war against Iran. It remains unclear whether a diplomatic solution to the US-Israel conflict involving Iran can be found, as Tehran maintains it will not negotiate “under the shadow of threats” or a U.S. naval blockade. There were also reports that Pakistan has received tentative confirmation from US and Iranian authorities regarding participation in the Islamabad talks, tentatively scheduled for Wednesday. Sources revealed that a delegation led by Vice President JD Vance is expected to arrive in the capital by Wednesday morning or noon. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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