Pakistan’s attempts to position itself as a mediator between the United States and Iran have hit a credibility snag with the collapse of the “Islamabad talks.” The talks, which were meant to be a serious diplomatic effort, are now seen as more of a staged event driven by appearances rather than substance.
The departure of Iran’s foreign minister before the talks even began indicates a breakdown in trust and logistics. This failure has led to doubts about Pakistan’s neutrality and ability to lead such initiatives effectively.
Criticism extends beyond foreign policy, with concerns raised about Pakistan’s use of the peace process for domestic control. The intertwining of domestic politics with international mediation has backfired, casting a shadow over Pakistan’s role as a mediator.
Iran’s preference for Oman as a neutral venue highlights the trust deficit in Pakistan’s mediation efforts. The perception of leaked sensitive information and doubts about neutrality have further eroded confidence in Pakistan’s role.
