WASHINGTON: Pakistan on Thursday urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to take up the dispute over the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), warning that India’s continued unilateral suspension of the treaty carries “grave peace and security, and humanitarian consequences” for South Asia.

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad handed over a letter from Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to the Security Council president, Ambassador Jamal Fares Alrowaiei of Bahrain.

A statement issued by Pakistan’s Mission said the letter drew the UNSC’s attention to the matter “one year after India’s illegal decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance” and highlighted the move’s “grave peace and security, and humanitarian consequences”.

The Security Council was urged “to take cognisance of the alarming situation and call upon India to restore the full implementation of IWT, resume all Treaty-mandated cooperation and data-sharing without delay, desist from any form of water coercion, and comply fully with its international obligations in good faith”.

The statement said Ambassador Ahmad also briefed the Security Council president on “the regurgitation of baseless allegations and propaganda by India at a time when Pakistan is engaged in serious mediation efforts to promote regional and international peace and security”.

He further underscored that “the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute — a longstanding item on the Security Council’s agenda — was the root cause of instability in South Asia that necessitated a just and lasting settlement in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people”.

A treaty under strain

The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, regulates the distribution of the Indus river system between India and Pakistan. It allocates the eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas and Sutlej — to India, while the western rivers — Indus, Jhelum and Chenab — are largely allocated to Pakistan.

The agreement has long been considered one of the most durable frameworks of cooperation between the two countries, surviving wars and repeated crises. However, it has come under strain since India announced in 2025 that it was placing its treaty obligations in abeyance.

India announced a unilateral suspension of its obligations under the IWT in April last year following an attack on tourists in occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 26 — an incident New Delhi blamed on Islamabad without evidence. For its part, Pakistan strongly denied the allegations and called for a neutral investigation.

In June 2025, the Permanent Court of Arbitration — an organisation that provides a framework for international disputes — had issued a Supplemental Award of Competence, stating that India could not unilaterally hold the treaty in abeyance.

India has maintained that it will keep the treaty in abeyance until Pakistan ends alleged support for cross-border terrorism — an accusation that Islamabad denies.

New Delhi has also argued that climate change, technological advances, and demographic pressures warrant modifications to the treaty. Pakistan, however, insists the agreement remains fully in force and binding, citing the 2025 Court of Arbitration ruling that reaffirmed its validity.

Pakistan warns of humanitarian impact

Pakistan has repeatedly warned that politicising water poses serious humanitarian and economic risks. At a UN World Water Day event in March, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Musadik Malik said India’s decision undermined decades of cooperation and violated international law.

“For us, water is nature. Water is humanity. Water is our civilisation. For us, water is agriculture,” he said, noting that 25–30 per cent of Pakistan’s GDP and nearly half its workforce depended on agriculture linked to the Indus basin.

He said water insecurity was not only a legal issue but a humanitarian one, affecting food systems, women, and children. He added that over 61pc of women’s employment in Pakistan was tied to agriculture.

WASHINGTON: As President Donald Trump continues to shift his timeline for ending the war with Iran — from “days” to “weeks,” then “five weeks,” and now simply “soon” — Islamabad remains at the centre of fragile diplomatic expectations for a second round of US–Iran talks.

With the ceasefire under strain and tensions escalating in the Strait of Hormuz, diplomacy is unfolding in parallel with military signalling, economic volatility, and sharply diverging political narratives in Washington and Tehran.

VP Vance expected in Islamabad

Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Islamabad on Tuesday for the next round of talks, but the US media caution that the visit remains contingent on Iran’s confirmation of participation. Preparations are underway in Islamabad for a possible high-level diplomatic engagement, though the situation continues to shift rapidly.

Pakistan remains positioned as host and facilitator, attempting to sustain a process that is still undefined in structure and uncertain in sequencing.

Hormuz tensions

The diplomatic track is unfolding alongside renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where disruptions to shipping and the seizure of an Iranian-linked vessel by US forces have intensified the confrontation.

Tehran has responded with increased maritime pressure, while Washington insists its blockade will remain in force until a broader agreement is reached.

Markets respond positively

Energy markets have reacted sharply, with oil prices briefly spiking before easing on expectations that even preliminary talks in Islamabad could still materialise.

Analysts say the absence of a stable diplomatic framework has raised questions about whether a clear endgame was defined at the outset or whether policy is being shaped reactively through public messaging.

Trust deficit

Iranian-American scholar Vali Nasr, speaking to Democracy Now, an independent US media outlet, described the current phase as one of “gradual escalation” following the collapse of early diplomatic momentum.

Nasr said early signals of de-escalation — including discussion of a Lebanon ceasefire and limited Iranian openness on maritime access — were reversed after US statements reaffirmed a strict blockade and suggested Iran had already agreed to dismantle its nuclear programme before any formal deal.

He argued that these claims triggered strong anger in Tehran, where officials rejected any suggestion of surrender and accused Washington of misrepresenting negotiations. This breakdown of trust, he said, contributed to renewed maritime confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz and reciprocal military actions at sea.

Nasr warned that growing sentiment within Tehran now questions whether attending talks in Islamabad is meaningful, with some voices arguing that Washington may be preparing for war rather than diplomacy.

Pakistan’s role appreciated

Michael Kugelman, a South Asia analyst, has argued that Pakistan’s immediate objective is likely to extend the ceasefire rather than secure a comprehensive breakthrough.

In his view, this approach buys time for more difficult substantive negotiations and reflects Islamabad’s preference for a process-driven strategy rather than an outcome-dependent gamble.

Pakistan, he suggests, is positioning itself for the long game — treating the talks not as an endpoint but as an evolving diplomatic channel amid deep mistrust between Washington and Tehran.

Washington seminar highlights Pakistan’s position

Pakistan’s diplomatic role was also discussed at a seminar at Georgetown University during the Fourth Annual Pakistan–US Conference in Washington on Monday.

Pakistan’s Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh told the participants that Islamabad’s relevance is not defined only by geography, but also by its historical and future linkages with the Middle East. He argued that Pakistan’s location makes it a potential economic and strategic bridge between China, Central Asia, and the Gulf states.

On the current US–Iran diplomacy, he said Pakistan’s facilitation role should be seen in the context of its broader diplomatic tradition. He said the confidence placed in Pakistan by multiple regional actors reflects its “sincere, humble, and responsible” engagement.

He also highlighted Pakistan’s shift in foreign policy thinking from geopolitics toward geoeconomics, and said disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz had further underlined Pakistan’s geostrategic importance for global trade routes.

US lawmakers weigh in on Iran ceasefire

Inside Washington, the ceasefire has triggered sharply contrasting political reactions. Democratic lawmakers, many of whom have criticised President Trump’s handling of the conflict, welcomed the pause in hostilities while simultaneously questioning the legality and conduct of US military actions.

Senator Ruben Gallego said on social media that “stopping war is good,” adding that he was relieved that American troops would be out of immediate danger. He also stressed that accountability questions regarding how the war began and whether it was lawful must still be addressed.

Separately, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Chris Van Hollen, among others, have pressed the Pentagon for detailed information on civilian casualties resulting from US strikes inside Iran, signalling growing congressional scrutiny of the administration’s military campaign.

WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s liquidity pressures are expected to ease as the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Executive Board is set to consider approval of a Staff-Level Agreement (SLA) next month, potentially paving the way for a fresh disbursement of about $1.2 billion under the two programmes.

The SLA was reached on March 28 on the successful third review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the second review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and his delegation held a series of meetings with IMF and World Bank officials in Washington this week during the Spring Meetings of the Bretton Woods institutions. The talks focused on Pakistan’s macroeconomic stabilisation, reform agenda, and external financing outlook.

In a conversation with Dawn, the minister said the IMF Executive Board is expected to meet in mid-May in Washington to review the SLA, which would unlock the next tranche under Pakistan’s programme.

Liquidity pressures to ease as IMF’s board meets in mid-May

An IMF mission arrived in Islamabad on Feb 25, before the start of the Middle East conflict. However, the team left and held virtual discussions that led to the SLA before the end of March. Another IMF mission is expected in Pakistan in May for pre-budget consultations, which are a regular feature of programme engagement.

Disbursements are made in phases following periodic reviews and approval by the IMF Executive Board. The EFF is expected to run through 2027, subject to the successful completion of the remaining reviews.

Officials said Pakistan has not yet taken a formal decision on whether to seek a new IMF arrangement once the current programme concludes, and consultations in this regard are ongoing.

Engagements in Washington

The finance minister held a series of meetings with senior officials from the US, UK, Japan, multilateral development banks, and credit rating agencies.

In discussions with a senior US Treasury official, he reviewed Pakistan’s progress on macroeconomic stabilisation, external account management, and ongoing reforms aimed at improving investment climate and regulatory frameworks. Both sides also explored cooperation in energy, mineral development, and financial integrity systems.

In meetings with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr Aurangzeb reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to polio eradication and discussed ongoing reforms in tax administration, including digital compliance systems, AI-based monitoring tools, and expanded use of digital platforms to improve governance and service delivery. He also highlighted continued engagement on vaccine financing and coordination with development partners.

In talks with UK counterparts, he noted improvements in Pakistan’s external account position, ongoing fiscal consolidation, and policy measures to manage energy-sector pressures. He also highlighted climate-related spending, including recent flood-related relief financed through domestic resources, and the development of a more technology-driven disaster response system.

During talks with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), both sides discussed the gradual resumption of concessional lending, including early-stage infrastructure and water supply projects. Mr Aurangzeb emphasised the importance of reversing recent net negative disbursement trends and expanding cooperation in health, education, and blended financing.

In a meeting with the Asian Infrastructure Invest­ment Bank (AIIB), Pakistan highlighted its existing portfolio of about $1.7bn and a pipeline of additional projects. The minister also referred to planned Panda bond issuance and recent capital market activity as signs of improving investor sentiment, while stressing the need for stronger project execution and faster disbursement flows.

Meetings with S&P Global Ratings and Citibank focused on Pakistan’s recent IMF staff-level agreement, repayment of Eurobonds, and return to international capital markets. The Finance Minister outlined the country’s medium-term debt management strategy, including Eurobonds, sukuk instruments, and planned Panda bond issuance, and expressed optimism about improving credit outlook.

At a World Bank-hosted roundtable on digital social protection, Pakistan presented its digital public infrastructure initiatives, including the transformation of the Benazir Income Support Programme. The finance minister said digital systems had improved the efficiency of targeted subsidies and expanded financial inclusion, particularly among low-income households and women entering formal banking channels for the first time.

Officials described the overall engagements as part of Pakistan’s ongoing effort to strengthen economic stability, maintain reform momentum, and broaden engagement with international financial partners.

Published in Dawn, April 19th, 2026

WASHINGTON: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Friday that while he has discussed with International Monetary Fund (IMF) officials the impact of the Iran conflict on Pakistan’s economy, “our focus is on getting an early approval for the next tranche” of the IMF package and that a team of the global lender will visit Pakistan next month for consultations on the upcoming review.

Talking to Dawn after his news conference at the Pakistan Embassy, the minister reiterated that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz was “a very good development”, which would ease pressure on global oil supplies, bring down oil prices everywhere and benefit Pakistan as well.

Had the conflict persisted, it would have adversely affected everything “from economic growth to inflation”, he said, adding: “We hope the situation will improve, but hope is not a strategy, and that’s why we had planned for everything.”

Aurangzeb said he also discussed the possible consequences of the Iran crisis with the IMF, which has established facilities to support countries affected by global economic shocks, but emphasised that “our focus is on the next tranche and on getting an early approval of the IMF board”.

Cites global relief from reopening of Hormuz

Speaking at his news conference at the Pakistan embassy, the finance minister also briefed Pakistani media representatives on the country’s broader economic outlook, progress on reforms, and outcomes of his engagements during the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings 2026, which were also attended by the State Bank governor and Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States.

The minister said his meetings with global stakeholders, including counterparts from China, the US, the UK and other partners, focused increasingly on expanding cooperation in trade, investment and key sectors such as information technology, minerals and energy.

On the external sector, he highlighted what he described as strong performance indicators, including a current account surplus of over $1 billion in March, remittance inflows of $3.8bn during the same month, and record inflows of $261 million under the Roshan Digital Account, with expectations of further growth.

He also said the Pakistani diaspora was playing an increasingly important role in supporting external sector stability through formal financial channels.

On financial sector reforms, Aurangzeb said efforts were under way to strengthen regulatory oversight and formalise exchange company operations through coordinated action between the finance ministry, the State Bank of Pakistan and law enforcement agencies.

He said preparations for the upcoming budget were continuing through consultations with chambers of commerce and business councils, adding that tax policy formulation was being led by the finance ministry with a focus on broadening the tax base and incorporating stakeholder feedback before final approval by the cabinet and parliament.

The minister said improving the ease of doing business remained a priority, particularly by reducing administrative bottlenecks and outdated regulatory procedures.

He stressed the importance of policy continuity, including in initiatives such as the Roshan Digital Account, saying predictable policies were essential for attracting both domestic and foreign investment.

On energy and climate policy, he highlighted the need to shift towards renewable energy while addressing structural issues in the power sector, and said Pakistan’s experience with recent climate shocks had underscored the importance of stronger fiscal buffers and preparedness.

Aurangzeb also said responsible borrowing remained central to government policy, adding that international financial platforms should be used for knowledge-sharing and peer learning rather than debt relief advocacy, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to meeting all financial obligations on time.

He further noted increased transshipment activity through Pakistani ports and improvements in logistics management as emerging positive signs for economic activity.

Concluding his briefing, the finance minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to macroeconomic stability, structural reforms and a disciplined policy framework aimed at supporting long-term, inclusive growth.

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2026

• Trump expects deal to be finalised ‘in a day or two’
• Calls PM, army chief ‘fantastic people’
• Asserts Lebanon conflict separate from Hormuz deal; Iran insists Hormuz opening linked to Lebanon ceasefire
• Dar says Islamabad wants ‘permanent’ end to war, urges both sides to show flexibility
• US-Iran draft deal may include $20bn for uranium rollback

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump appreciated Iran and praised Pakistan on Friday, declaring that the Strait of Hormuz was “fully open and ready for full passage” but a US naval blockade on Iran would remain in place until an agreement was finalised, soon after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced the Strait was open for “all commercial vessels” till the time the Lebanon ceasefire was in place.

The US and Iranian negotiators are expected to meet over the weekend and are closing in on a three-page framework to end the conflict, a report by Axios said, as Trump expressed optimism that a deal could be reached “in the next day or two”.

The dual framing by Trump, however, appears aimed at presenting a rapid de-escalation in one of the world’s most sensitive shipping lanes while simultaneously projecting leverage over Tehran, with the mention on ‘naval blockade’, during the next round of negotiations.

“The Strait of Hormuz is completely open and ready for business and full passage, but the naval blockade will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran, only, until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

“This process should go very quickly in that most of the points are already negotiated.”

Trump praised regional partners and claimed a breakthrough in maritime tensions. He thanked Pakistan and its leadership, writing: “Thank you to Pakistan and its great prime minister and field marshal, two fantastic people!” In another post, he declared, “A great and brilliant day for the world!”

“Iran has agreed to never close the Strait of Hormuz again. It will no longer be used as a weapon against the world!” he said. Interestingly, he claimed, “Iran, with the help of the US, has removed, or is removing, all sea mines.”

Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi had earlier declared, “In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire.” Military vessels are still banned from the waterway, a senior Iranian military official told state media.

A spokesperson for Iran’s president, Seyyed Mohammad Mehdi Tabatabaei, lashed out at the “baseless statements of the enemy”, shortly afterwards, Al Jazeera reports. He said, “The conditional and limited reopening of a portion of the Strait of Hormuz is solely an Iranian initiative, one that creates responsibility and serves to test the firm commitments of the opposing side. If they renege on their promises, they will face dire consequences.”

However, while insisting that the maritime arrangement was separate from other regional conflicts, Trump stated, “Again! This deal is not tied, in any way, to Lebanon, but we will make Lebanon great again!”

While calling on Washington and Tehran to “show flexibility”, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan wants a “permanent termination” of the US-Israeli war on Iran. Islamabad’s “objective is not ceasefire extension. Our main objective is the permanent termination of war,” and an agreement between the parties, Dar said, according to Anadolu Agency. “More than 80pc of the work has been done. And a couple of things are (remaining)… both parties have to show flexibility,” he added.

Earlier, Trump said, “Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer. They are prohibited from doing so by the USA. Enough is enough!”

Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said his country was on the verge of a “new phase” of “permanent agreements”, after the ceasefire went into force. “Now, we all stand before a new phase,” Aoun has said in his first speech to the nation since the truce, adding, “it is the phase of transition from working on a ceasefire to working on permanent agreements that preserve the rights of our people, the unity of our land, and the sovereignty of our nation.”

Frozen assets, uranium

On the other hand, Trump said the US would retain uranium and related materials from its military operations: “The USA will get all nuclear ‘dust’, created by our great B2 bombers — no money will exchange hands in any way, shape or form. This deal is in no way subject to Lebanon, either.”

According to Axios, the United States and Iran are working towards a three-page draft framework aimed at ending the conflict, with negotiations said to have made significant progress in recent days.

One proposal under discussion involves the release of up to $20 billion in frozen Iranian assets in exchange for Tehran surrendering its stockpile of enriched uranium and agreeing to a moratorium on enrichment activities.

While Trump has expressed confidence that an agreement could be finalised soon, Axios reported that multiple US officials and other sources briefed on the negotiations said that “gaps still remain on critical issues”.

President Trump had earlier indicated both sides were likely to meet this weekend for a second round of talks aimed at finalising an agreement. The discussions are expected to take place in Islamabad, possibly on Sunday, according to a source familiar with the mediation effort. Pakistan is mediating the process, with behind-the-scenes support from Egypt and Turkiye.

A key priority for the Trump administration remains ensuring that Iran does not retain access to its stockpile of nearly 2,000kg of enriched uranium stored in underground facilities, including about 450kg enriched to 60 per cent purity.

Following the Axios report, Trump wrote on Truth Social that “no money will change hands”, although he did not directly address the reported proposal involving unfreezing Iranian funds.

Separately, sources said, the US had considered releasing around $6bn to allow Iran to purchase food, medicine and other humanitarian supplies, while Iranian negotiators had reportedly sought as much as $27bn in earlier stages of the negotiations. The latest figure under discussion between the two sides is about $20bn, according to the same sources. One US official described the cash-for-uranium idea as “one of many discussions” still on the table.

‘Step in right direction’

Later, UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed Iran’s announcements that the Strait of Hormuz is completely open for all commercial vessels for the remainder of the ceasefire.

“This is a step in the right direction,” he wrote in a social media post.

He said the UN position on this issue remains clear: “We need the full restoration of inter­national navigational rig­hts and freedoms in the Strait of Hormuz, respected by everyone.”

The UN chief hoped that this measure, together with the ceasefire, would contribute to creating confidence between the parties and strengthen the ongoing dialogue facilitated by Pakistan.

Diplomatic efforts reportedly involve multiple regional actors, including Gulf states and Pakistan, alongside indirect US-Iran negotiations aimed at stabilising maritime security and regional tensions.

Additional input from agencies

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2026

• Claims Iran has accepted ‘almost everything’ in talks
• Nuclear issue remains key sticking point; US presses for complete dismantlement
• Pakistan-led diplomacy, CDF’s Tehran visit gain global attention
• FO says Pakistan maintaining ‘open channels’ with both sides
• Massive security deployment planned in Islamabad, Rawalpindi

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Thursday he may travel to Islamabad if a final agreement with Iran is signed there, while claiming that Tehran has accepted “almost everything” currently under negotiation.

Speaking to reporters on the White House lawn before departing for Nevada and Arizona, Trump expressed optimism about Pakistan-led diplomatic efforts to end hostilities and secure a settlement before the current ceasefire expires.

“If a deal is signed in Islamabad, I may go,” he said. “They want me.”

He also indicated that the US-Iran ceasefire, set to expire next week, could be extended, although he suggested such a move might not be necessary if a deal is reached in time.

Trump reiterated an unverified claim that Iran had agreed to surrender enriched uranium allegedly relocated and concealed after last year’s US-Israeli air strikes. The Iranian nuclear progra­mme remains the central sticking point in the negotiations, and Washing­ton continues to press for its complete dismantlement.

The US president has consistently advocated for a comprehensive deal under which Tehran would abandon its nuclear capabilities in return for sanctions relief and de-escalation.

His remarks came amid intensified diplomatic activity involving regional and international stakeholders, as efforts gathered pace to secure both an immediate ceasefire and a longer-term political settlement.

Trump, who has repeatedly praised Pakistan and its leaders as “extraordinary, kind and very competent”, has once again shown his ability to swing the global conversation with a single statement.

The 47th day of the US-Iran war began on Thursday with a glimmer of optimism. Major American media outlets, from the New York Times to online platforms, portrayed Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir’s visit to Tehran as a possible peace mission — one that could help end the devastating conflict between Wash­ington and Tehran.

A diplomatic observer told Dawn in Washington that “all sides are hoping to finalise at least an initial agreement before the ceasefire expires”.

Pakistan’s diplomatic push aims to turn the temporary truce into a lasting peace, with reports indicating a second round of negotiations could be hosted in Islamabad soon.

Earlier, Pakistan — which is mediating bet­ween Iran and the United States — said it expected to host a second round of peace negotiations bet­ween the two sides.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Thursday that a second round of talks between the United States and Iran was expected to take place in Islamabad but declined to provide a date.

Speaking to reporters at a weekly news briefing, Andrabi said that Pakistan was maintaining “open channels of communication with the concerned parties”.

Meanwhile, authorities have stepped up security preparations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi ahead of a possible second round of talks, with officials reviewing and retaining the plan used during the first round.

Around 6,000 Islamabad police personnel, supported by Frontier Constabulary, Rangers and the army, will be deployed across the capital, particularly in and around the Red Zone.

In Rawalpindi, over 5,000 personnel will be on duty, with strict monitoring of entry and exit points, heightened surveillance and temporary restrictions on movement to ensure the security of visiting delegations.

‘Maximally postured’

While diplomatic momentum appeared to build, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a cautionary note, warning that Washington was prepared to resume military operations if negotiations failed.

“We urge the new Iranian regime to choose wisely,” Hegseth said, adding that the US military was “maximally postured” to restart combat operations if Tehran refused to agree to a deal.

Amid these mixed signals, Trump announced a separate diplomatic breakthrough, stating that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a 10-day ceasefire following talks in Washington.

According to Trump, the truce would begin at 5pm Eastern Time, following discussions involving Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netan­yahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The Lebanon ceasefire is seen as a key precondition for Iran’s continued engagement in talks with the United States, with Tehran insisting that any agreement must include a halt to hostilities across all fronts.

Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue has been widely acknowledged.

“Pakistanis have been incredible mediators,” Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said after the army chief’s arrival in Iran. “The president feels it’s important to continue to streamline this communication through the Pakistanis.”

International media have also highlighted Islamabad’s growing diplomatic role. The New York Times noted that “Pakistani diplomacy has risen to the forefront of efforts to broker peace between the United States and Iran, as the top leaders of Pakistan tried to preserve a shaky cease-fire between the combatants and to again offer their country as the venue for potential talks.”

It noted that Field Marshal Asim Munir was “the first regional player to visit Iran since the United States and Israel began attacking it”.

Field Marshal Munir also met Iranian Parliam­ent Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in Tehran. Pakistan helped negotiate a two-week ceasefire last week, scoring a major diplomatic victory. That ceasefire is to expire on April 21.

Munawer Azeem in Islamabad and Mohammad Asghar in Rawalpindi also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, April 17th, 2026

WASHINGTON: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said that Pakistan is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East, warning that a prolonged conflict would have serious financial consequences for the country and the wider global economy.

In an interview with CNBC, the minister said Pakistan’s leadership had made “very earnest effort” over the weekend to support diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran.

“So, our leadership is still at it. And very earnest effort was made over the weekend, and that was recognised both by the US leadership and the Iranian leadership,” he said, adding: “At this point in time, the discussions continue.”

Asked about the timing of the next round of talks, Aurangzeb emphasised the importance of maintaining calm rather than focusing on dates. “I think the first thing, the important thing is that the ceasefire continues,” he said. “It’s difficult to double-down into the exact dates but the engagement is on.”

In reply to a question about whether the lack of a concrete outcome so far was disappointing, the minister described the very fact that dialogue had resumed as a breakthrough.

“It’s about 50 years later that there were face-to-face discussions between Iran and the United States. And I think that in itself is a big achievement,” he said.

“When you sit down, and there’s a dialogue going on. But there are various points of discussions and as those discussions continue and I think that in itself bodes well for the future.”

Expressing hope that the conflict could be resolved through diplomacy, Aurangzeb underlined the economic risks for countries like Pakistan.

“We have to be hopeful because dialogue and diplomacy is the way forward,” he said. “Even as a country which is not directly involved in the war, but we are in a warlike situation, and I can tell you as a finance minister the first impact that we see in our country is the financial impact and if the war goes on, it would be a quite big issue for the entire world, and certainly for us as well.”

Energy security

On the specific question of energy security and the Strait of Hormuz, the minister said Pakistan’s oil supplies were sufficient for the immediate future but warned of vulnerabilities.

“Our [oil] reserves are good enough to take us towards the end of this month and into the next month as well,” he said. “But you can appreciate that in a country which is built on commercial reserves, and we do not have strategic reserves, both the availability and the pricing become real issues.”

Pakistan relies heavily on imported fuel, and any disruption in regional shipping lanes or spike in global oil prices would likely add to existing fiscal pressures.

The finance minister’s remarks come amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, with global markets closely watching diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation.

Published in Dawn, April 16th, 2026

• Warns no military solution to US-Iran conflict
• UN envoy to visit Pakistan as diplomatic efforts intensify

WASHINGTON: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has said there is “no military solution” to the current conflict in the Middle East, while welcoming recent US-Iran talks hosted by Pakistan as a “positive and meaningful step” towards renewed dialogue.

The UN secretary general is also sending his special envoy, Jean Arnault, to Islamabad to consult Pakistan’s leaders on ways to help end the Iran war, which is increasingly seen as a global threat.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson in New York on Monday, the UN chief noted that although no agreement was reached in the Islamabad discussions, the very fact that the two sides engaged underscored the seriousness of their commitment.

“While no agreement was reached at the talks hosted by Pakistan between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran in Islamabad, the discussions themselves underscored the seriousness of their engagement and constituted a positive and meaningful step towards renewed dialogue,” the statement said.

Guterres cautioned that, given “deeply rooted differences”, an agreement could not be reached overnight, and urged continued engagement in a constructive spirit to achieve a durable settlement.

He also stressed that the ceasefire “must absolutely be preserved”, calling for an immediate end to all violations.

Paying tribute to diplomatic efforts, he thanked mediators including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkiye, and urged the international community to support their initiatives.

The secretary general further underlined the importance of respecting freedom of navigation, including in the Strait of Hormuz, in line with international law. He warned that disruptions in maritime traffic are already affecting global supply chains, with around 20,000 seafarers reportedly stranded at sea under worsening conditions.

The statement said disruptions were also impacting fertiliser supply chains, worsening global food insecurity and contributing to rising fuel and transport costs.

UN envoy Jean Arnault recently met Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi in Tehran, engaged with Iranian Red Crescent representatives, and visited sites damaged in recent strikes, including a university and a destroyed apartment building.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the envoy reiterated the secretary general’s commitment to pursuing “every possible effort” for a peaceful resolution and will continue regional consultations.

Jorge Moreira da Silva, executive director of the United Nations Office for Project Services, is also coordinating related maritime safety efforts with international partners.

‘Talks reflect trust deficit’

Analysts in Washington say the Islamabad negotiations reflect not a breakdown of diplomacy, but a continuing trust deficit between Washington and Tehran.

Vali Nasr, professor of Middle East studies at Johns Hopkins University, said the talks failed because Iran sought guarantees that any deal would be implemented, while the US insisted on immediate, verifiable steps.

Iran fears Washington could withdraw after it makes irreversible concessions, while the US seeks compliance before easing pressure.

Pakistan’s mediation role expands

Despite the absence of an agreement, the Islamabad talks, reportedly lasting 21 hours, covered Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, frozen assets, maritime security and broader regional arrangements, supported by technical exchanges and written proposals.

Analysts say the level of detail reflects structured diplomacy rather than exploratory contact.

With the UN envoy expected to visit Islamabad this week, Pakistan’s role appears increasingly embedded in an ongoing diplomatic framework. Whether the next round takes place in Islamabad or elsewhere remains unclear, but the process is still seen as open-ended and in motion.

Published in Dawn, April 14th, 2026

• US president refuses to apologise, calls Leo ‘weak’ and ‘terrible’
• Pontiff insists it’s his ‘moral duty’ to speak out against war

WASHINGTON: It is not often that the world hears a sitting American president and a pope speaking directly to each other in tones that resemble confrontation rather than counsel. Fewer still are the moments when the argument turns so openly on war, morality and the language of God.

Yet that is precisely what unfolded over the weekend and into Monday, as President Donald Trump refused to apologise for his sharp criticism of Pope Leo XIV, deepening an extraordinary public dispute that now stretches across Washington, Rome and a papal aircraft somewhere over North Africa.

“There is nothing to apologise for. He is wrong,” Trump told reporters, brushing aside the controversy as if it were just another political disagreement. The pope, he said, had spoken “very weakly” on crime as well as foreign policy and was “very much against what I am doing with regard to Iran”.

In a long Truth Social post, Trump wrote that “Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy”.

The language was blunt even by Trumpian standards. But what gives this exchange its unusual weight is not only the personalities involved, but the offices they inhabit: one the most powerful elected leader in the world, the other the spiritual head of 1.3 billion Catholics and, for the first time in history, an American-born pope.

Pope Leo XIV did not respond in kind. Instead, somewhere between Rome and Algiers, he chose a register long associated with the Vatican at its most deliberate: restraint shaped into moral clarity.

“I have no intention of debating with him,” he told reporters aboard the papal plane. “I am not a politician.”

But what followed was less a rebuttal than a declaration of duty.

“I have a moral duty to speak out against war,” he said. “I have no fear, neither of the Trump administration nor of speaking loudly about the message of the Gospel.”

It was a formulation that moved the dispute beyond diplomacy and into a more ancient register, a contest between political necessity and moral witness.

At the centre of the disagreement lies the war in Iran, where a US-Israeli strike in February escalated into a broader regional conflict. The pope has repeatedly called for restraint, warning of civilian suffering and condemning what he has described as an “unacceptable” escalation of violence.

Trump, by contrast, has framed the conflict in stark strategic terms: nuclear threat, deterrence and force. “You cannot have a nuclear Iran,” the US president said, as if the sentence itself carried its own finality.

The pope’s response, however, was not framed as an argument but as conscience. “Blessed are the peacemakers,” he said, invoking scripture rather than strategy. “The Church has a duty to speak clearly for peace and reconciliation.”

Europe steps in, uneasily

If the exchange between Washington and the Vatican carried a theological undertone, Europe’s response was unmistakably political.

In Rome, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni broke with one of her key transatlantic partners to call Trump’s remarks “unacceptable”. “The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church,” she said, “and it is right and normal for him to call for peace and condemn war.”

It was a rare public distancing from a leader who has otherwise sought to balance ideological affinity with strategic alignment with the Trump administration.

Italian bishops went further, reminding the world that the pope is “not a political counterpart but the successor of Peter”, a formulation that quietly rejected the premise of the confrontation itself.

For the Vatican, disagreement with presidents is not unfamiliar terrain. But the immediacy and tone of this exchange feel different.

Pope Leo is not only the first American pope; he is also unusually direct in framing global conflict in explicitly ethical terms, often refusing the diplomatic language of ambiguity.

His current African tour, taking him through Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, is meant as a journey of reconciliation and interfaith dialogue. In Algiers, he spoke of “forgiveness” at a memorial to victims of Algeria’s war of independence, urging nations to “face the future with a reconciled spirit”.

It was a message of historical memory and moral repair delivered just hours after the American president accused him of undermining US security policy.

At another moment in history, such a disagreement might have remained confined to private correspondence or diplomatic channels. But in the age of social media, it has unfolded in full public view, sharpened by Trump’s use of Truth Social and his increasingly personalised framing of political and moral authority.

His recent posts, including an AI-generated image that critics said depicted him in a Christ-like pose, added yet another layer of controversy, prompting unease even among some supporters.

The Vatican, by contrast, has remained formally composed. The pope has declined to personalise the dispute, returning instead to the language of mission and moral obligation.

Yet the contrast is difficult to miss: one man speaking in the grammar of power, the other in the grammar of conscience, both, in their own way, claiming moral authority. What makes this confrontation unusual is not that disagreement exists, but that neither side appears willing to soften its position.

Trump has doubled down. The pope has refused to engage on his terms. European leaders have entered the conversation. And beneath it all lies a question neither Washington nor Rome can easily settle: who defines morality in a time of war?

For now, the distance between the White House and the Vatican is measured less in geography than in language and in the increasingly incompatible ways both men understand their responsibility to history.

As Pope Leo continues his journey across Africa calling for forgiveness and reconciliation, and as Trump defends his hard line on Iran from Washington, their exchange has already become something larger than a dispute.

It is, in its own way, a mirror of the present moment, when political power and moral authority are no longer speaking the same language, even when they are speaking about the same war.

Published in Dawn, April 14th, 2026