Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has concluded a three-day visit to Tehran, according to a statement from Pakistan’s military. The visit was described as part of ongoing efforts to end the war involving the United States. During his stay, Munir met with Iran’s top leadership and negotiators, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Major General Ali Abdollahi, commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters.

The military statement emphasized that the visit reflected Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to facilitating a dialogue-based resolution to the Middle East conflict. It also underscored Islamabad’s desire to promote peace, stability, and prosperity across the region.

The trip highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement with Iran at a time of heightened regional tensions, signaling Islamabad’s interest in supporting negotiated solutions to ongoing conflicts.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced its Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh. Led by Shan Masood, the team will arrive in Dhaka on May 3, 2026, featuring four new players—Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Aazan Awais, and Mohammad Ghazi. Eleven players from the previous home series against South Africa have retained their places, while seven others, including Abrar Ahmed and Abdullah Shafique, have been left out.

Sarfaraz Ahmed has been appointed as Pakistan’s head coach and will oversee a preparatory camp in Karachi from April 27 to May 1. Players currently participating in the Pakistan Super League will join the camp after completing their league commitments. The first Test will begin on May 8 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, followed by the second Test on May 16 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Both matches are part of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle, marking Pakistan’s first Test tour of Bangladesh in this period.

Pakistan has intensified security measures in Islamabad ahead of a possible high-level second-round meeting expected to address nuclear issues. Around 10,000 police officers have been deployed across the capital, with an additional 10,000 personnel being mobilized from nearby provinces. Special search and combing operations have begun under the Inspector General’s directive, while checkpoints and patrols have been increased at city entry and exit points. Movement at major bus terminals has also been restricted.

The country’s prime minister, army chief, and armed forces leaders are preparing to welcome world leaders to what has been described as a historic event. The Foreign Ministry indicated potential progress on nuclear matters, with diplomats from Tehran to Washington maintaining close contact. Islamabad aims to ensure a secure and respectful environment for all participants.

The preparations follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s remark suggesting that the second round of talks could take place in Islamabad by the end of the week. The first round was held on April 11, but no final decisions were reached on Iran’s nuclear program, the Strait of Hormuz, or U.S. sanctions.

Pakistan is mediating peace talks between the United States and Iran, with Field Marshal Asim Munir at the center of the effort. Both Washington and Tehran reportedly view Munir as a trusted intermediary as they consider extending a two-week ceasefire set to expire next week. US President Donald Trump said he might visit Pakistan to sign a potential peace deal with Iran, praising Munir and Pakistan’s leadership for their role.

According to Iranian media, Munir met in Tehran with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. He also hosted Ghalibaf and US Vice President JD Vance in Islamabad during earlier talks that ended without an agreement but paved the way for further discussions. Munir’s growing influence has been reinforced by Pakistan’s strengthened ties with both the US and Iran, as well as with Saudi Arabia and China.

Analysts note that Munir’s personal rapport with Trump and his expanded authority within Pakistan’s military have elevated his status domestically and internationally. Islamabad is reportedly preparing to host another round of negotiations soon.

Pakistan has indicated positive signals surrounding a possible second round of talks between the United States and Iran. Islamabad is actively working to bring both sides to face-to-face discussions, while security measures in the Pakistani capital have been strengthened amid heightened diplomatic activity.

According to related sources, the dialogue process remains fragile but is being tightly managed. Pakistan continues to facilitate message exchanges between Tehran and Washington and maintains an optimistic stance about advancing the second round of negotiations.

Officials in Pakistan stated that they have communicated with both parties and are receiving encouraging indications from each side. They expressed hope that the ongoing discussions could eventually lead to a significant agreement.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated that no date has been set for the second round of talks between the United States and Iran. Speaking at a weekly briefing on Thursday, he said discussions between the two countries are ongoing on nuclear and other issues. Andrabi emphasized that Pakistan would not comment on the positions of Tehran or other parties involved and that maintaining confidentiality about the talks is essential.

He urged the media to refrain from speculation about the discussions. Andrabi added that decisions regarding participants and the size of delegations for the next round would be made by the parties themselves, and the schedule would be announced once finalized.

The statement comes as a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, which began on April 8 following more than a month of conflict, is set to expire on April 22.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed the recently declared ceasefire in Lebanon, expressing hope that it will contribute to lasting peace in the region. In a post on social media platform X, he described the ceasefire as the result of ‘courageous’ diplomatic efforts led by Donald Trump.

Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, adding that Islamabad will continue to back all initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable peace in the region. The statement came as Sharif is on a regional tour, having arrived in Qatar on Thursday for meetings with regional leaders. He previously visited Saudi Arabia and plans to travel to Turkey next.

According to the report, Pakistan has already hosted the first round of talks between the United States and Iran as part of a potential new phase of dialogue, with a second round expected in the coming days.

Saudi Arabia has announced an $8 billion financial support package for Pakistan, including an additional $3 billion deposit and an extension of an existing $5 billion deposit. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the initiative aims to reinforce Pakistan’s economic stability and enhance its resilience amid global economic changes. The State Bank of Pakistan confirmed via social media that it has already received $2 billion from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Finance, effective until April 15, 2026, to bolster the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

The announcement followed a meeting in Jeddah between Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Pakistan is currently preparing to repay $3.5 billion in loans to the United Arab Emirates by the end of this month and expects an additional $5 billion in support from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that Pakistan repaid $1.4 billion in foreign debt last week.

Pakistan’s foreign reserves stand at about $21.89 billion, with $16.4 billion held by the central bank and $5.49 billion by commercial banks, reflecting ongoing pressure from high import costs and external debt obligations.

Pakistan is conducting active diplomatic efforts to build trust between the United States and Iran, according to a report from Al Jazeera’s Doha correspondent Osama Bin Javed. Pakistani representatives are working with both sides on various proposals, and discussions are underway. Diplomatic sources indicate that Pakistan’s army chief is attempting to bridge differences between the two nations.

Sources further suggest that Pakistan views multiple regional actors, including Iran, the United States, and Israel, as key to regional peace. Pakistani officials are optimistic that this mutual diplomacy could either lead to a second round of talks or an extension of the current ceasefire, with a possible duration of about five weeks or 45 days.

Officials emphasize that successful diplomacy is usually conducted discreetly and relies on mutual trust. Pakistan aims to serve as a bridge of confidence, as both Iranian and American sides have publicly acknowledged their lack of trust in each other.

Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir met with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Thursday, according to reports. Details of the meeting have not yet been made public. The meeting took place during Munir’s visit to Tehran, where he arrived with a high-level political and security delegation.

Ghalibaf had earlier led the Iranian delegation in talks between the United States and Iran held in Islamabad the previous Saturday. Iranian media, citing officials, reported that Munir’s visit aimed to deliver “America’s message and plans for a second round of discussions.” During his trip, Munir also met with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The developments suggest Pakistan’s continuing involvement in facilitating communication between Washington and Tehran, though no official confirmation of mediation outcomes has been released.

A high-level meeting between the United States and Iran in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting ceasefire, but Pakistan’s role as mediator drew global attention. The talks, led by US Vice President J.D. Vance and Iranian Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, marked the first such engagement between the two rival nations in nearly five decades. Despite the lack of a breakthrough, Pakistan’s diplomatic initiative was widely praised by major powers, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan.

The article argues that Pakistan’s growing diplomatic influence contrasts sharply with India’s diminishing role in global geopolitics. Indian media’s portrayal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “world guru” has been undermined by Pakistan’s recent successes, including its coordination with China and Saudi Arabia. India’s foreign minister reacted angrily in parliament when opposition members highlighted Pakistan’s achievements, calling it a US proxy. The piece suggests that India’s overt support for Israel and opportunistic foreign policy have weakened its credibility.

While the Islamabad talks did not end hostilities, Pakistan’s continued mediation between Washington and Tehran may keep diplomatic channels open amid renewed tensions.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will embark on a four-day visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey. The trip comes as Islamabad prepares for a possible second round of talks between the United States and Iran, following an initial round held last Saturday. The announcement coincides with remarks suggesting that developments could occur in Islamabad within the next two days.

According to the ministry, Sharif’s visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar will focus on bilateral relations. In Turkey, he is scheduled to attend the Antalya Diplomacy Forum and hold bilateral meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other leaders on the sidelines of the event.

The timing of the visit highlights Pakistan’s active diplomatic engagement in the region, particularly as discussions involving the United States and Iran continue to evolve.

Pakistan has proposed hosting a second round of ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran. US President Donald Trump stated that the discussions could resume within the next two days. However, doubts have emerged about the timing, as Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to travel abroad on Wednesday and will return on April 18 after visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt.

Although Trump suggested that talks might take place within two days, Sharif’s travel schedule indicates that the meeting is more likely to occur later in the week. According to Al Jazeera’s Kamal Haider, diplomacy is a continuous process that requires time, and both Tehran and Washington have shown positive signals toward resuming dialogue.

The report also notes that Gulf countries have expressed interest in assisting Pakistan’s efforts to bring the United States and Iran back to the negotiating table.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a phone conversation with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar to discuss the ongoing war involving Iran and the United States. The ministers exchanged views on the recent meeting between Iran and the U.S. aimed at ending the conflict, as well as possible steps to be taken in the coming days.

According to Iranian authorities, more than 3,300 people have been killed in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran since February 28. Before a two-week ceasefire announced last week, Tehran had launched missile and drone attacks on U.S. targets in Israel, Iraq, Jordan, and several Gulf countries. The first round of direct talks between Iran and the U.S. took place in Islamabad on Saturday but ended without an agreement.

A government statement said Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit Saudi Arabia and Turkey before a possible second round of talks in Islamabad. Citing Anadolu, the report added that the next round is expected to take place soon at Pakistan’s invitation.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced he will travel to Saudi Arabia and Turkiye this week as part of his efforts to mediate a second round of peace talks between the United States and Iran. President Asif Ali Zardari said Sharif had briefed him on his diplomatic initiative, which coincides with a two-week ceasefire halting US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Zardari urged continued engagement with Washington, Tehran, and other powers to sustain the peace process.

The renewed diplomatic activity follows unconfirmed reports of backchannel negotiations and public support from US President Donald Trump and the United Nations. Trump suggested talks could resume in Pakistan within days, while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said it was “highly probable” that ceasefire discussions would restart. A diplomat told the Associated Press that both sides had agreed to more talks, though the venue and timing remained undecided, with Islamabad and Geneva under consideration.

The fragile ceasefire has held despite a US naval blockade of Iranian ports and Iran’s restriction of the Strait of Hormuz. Observers note that communication lines between Washington and Tehran remain open, raising cautious optimism for continued dialogue.