Pakistan’s attempts to position itself as a mediator between the United States and Iran face scrutiny due to its military actions in Afghanistan causing civilian casualties, as noted by a report. The narrative of Islamabad being a guardian of regional stability conflicts with its coercive actions in neighboring Afghanistan, raising doubts about its moral claims.
Dimitra Staikou, a Greek lawyer and journalist, highlighted that the mediation process involving Pakistan was not a centralized effort but rather a network of various actors influencing outcomes. Despite Pakistan’s efforts to showcase its diplomatic importance, it was seen more as a conduit for conveying messages rather than a true mediator in the US-Iran dynamics.
Staikou pointed out that while Pakistan hosted ceasefire talks and played a role in transmitting positions between China, the US, and Iran, it was not perceived as the central figure driving the negotiation process. The ceasefire framework itself faced challenges from the beginning, with differing interpretations and ongoing military operations undermining its credibility.
The report also shed light on Pakistan’s economic challenges, suggesting that Islamabad’s emphasis on its diplomatic success in the mediation process was partly driven by domestic and financial pressures. With looming loan repayments and economic uncertainties, Pakistan’s foreign policy narrative was seen as a way to project strength amid economic strains.
