Reports emerge regarding potential Pakistan-India peace talks

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephonic conversation with his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al Thani, on Sunday, thanking him for Qatar’s strong endorsement of Pakistan-led diplomatic initiatives. According to a statement, the two leaders exchanged views on the evolving regional and international situation, with the prime minister expressing deep appreciation for Qatar’s constructive role in regional diplomacy and mediation efforts.

Both leaders agreed on the need for continued close coordination to address common challenges. The call underscores Pakistan’s ongoing engagement in efforts for de-escalation between the United States and Iran, following a conflict that began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. Hostilities have largely ceased since a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire was agreed upon on April 8.

Following the ceasefire, a first round of historic direct US-Iran talks was held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, with Pakistan playing a mediating role. While those talks concluded without a final agreement, they did not result in a breakdown of the process. Islamabad has since continued its efforts to convene a second round.

As part of this continued shuttle diplomacy, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently concluded an unscheduled visit to Iran. During the trip, he held meetings with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf. While officially framed around bilateral and border security cooperation, diplomatic sources indicate the visit was aimed at reviving the stalled Iran-US peace process.

The sources stated the trip was intended to prevent the negotiations from collapsing entirely after momentum slowed, particularly following President Donald Trump’s rejection of Tehran’s latest response to American proposals. These diplomatic maneuvers come as the fragile ceasefire holds unevenly amid intermittent tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, which have caused prolonged disruption to global energy shipping.