Pakistan is emerging as a more relevant country in the region with the latest diplomatic moves around the Iran-U.S. standoff. The discussion between US President Donald Trump and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and his subsequent visit to Tehran suggest that a significant shift is taking place in Pakistan's foreign policy. Washington's requests come at a time when Islamabad is being considered, not just a security partner, but as a nation that can be a bridge to the other side of a deeply polarized conflict, with Washington looking to Islamabad to persuade Tehran to resume negotiations.
To be honest, in the current scenario the diplomatic significance of Pakistan is not its capacity to impose a solution on either Washington or Tehran. Instead, it's the strategic importance of Islamabad's location. Pakistan has longstanding relations with Iran, shares a border with it, and has a vested interest in its peace and stability for its economic and security interests. Meanwhile, Pakistan has been in diplomatic and strategic talks with the U.S. for decades. This enables Islamabad to reach both sides, as the direct trust between Washington and Tehran is still very limited.
It should not be misinterpreted that Pakistan is trying to impose an American demand on Iran. This would jeopardize Islamabad's credibility and its capacity to be a meaningful interlocutor. Pakistan's ability to strike a balance is what can make it strong because they can keep both sides engaged and promote peaceful talks and de-escalation, leading to a mutually agreeable resolution.
In this context, the reported meeting between President Trump and Field Marshal Asim Munir and his trip to Tehran is noteworthy. It shows that Pakistan's diplomatic avenues may be utilized to minimize the misunderstandings and to sustain the dialogue process. It's a place where conflict can escalate into a regional conflagration and even a means of communicating becomes a game of strategy.
Especially for Pakistan. A war between Iran and the United States would have regional repercussions, as well. Pakistan has a long border with Iran and cannot be unmindful of the volatility in its close vicinity. Long-term crisis may lead to economic pressures, security issues, refugee problems and disruption of regional trade. The Strait of Hormuz is also a sensitive area as any turbulence there could impact on international energy markets and global trade.
Thus, the diplomatic efforts in Pakistan are not only a reflection of the foreign policy but also a national interest. Islamabad has a direct interest in so far as not to let the conflict spread and conditions for a peaceful settlement.
The diplomatic opportunity also points to a changed regional role for Pakistan. Security and counterterrorism have become the top two features of Pakistan's diplomatic footprint for years. But at the moment, it is engaged in diplomacy as another aspect of national power. A nation does not have to be the strongest military or economic force in the area to be able to exert diplomatic influence. Influence can be based on geography, relationships, credibility and being able to speak to both sides.
Pakistan is endowed with some of these attributes. Being so close to Iran, it already has a natural understanding of the concerns of Tehran in the Middle East, and, being close to Washington, it also has a natural pathway to the United States. Islamabad can play a positive role in the stability of the region if it manages these relationships carefully.
But with diplomatic leverage comes responsibility. It is very important for the Pakistan to not be looked upon as an instrument of a single party. Its credibility will be subject to its diplomatic position being independent and balanced. Islamabad should rather focus on dialogue, sovereignty, de-escalation and peaceful resolution, as these are the principles that should be followed, and it cannot be a part of the confrontation.
However, Pakistan can play a significant role in this context. Islamabad does not have to find the solution to the Iran-US dispute. Its contribution can be much more practical as soon as it is made, by keeping the communication open, by decreasing tensions, and by conveying messages between the parties, and by creating a climate where formal negotiations can once again be resumed.
Recent diplomatic efforts should therefore be seen as a means of opportunity, and not as a declaration of victory. Mediation is a slow process and diplomacy can only be effective if patience is exercised. Pakistan must neither overestimate its contribution nor deplete its diplomatic efforts and measures without keeping them alive and effective.
The big message for Pakistan is that influence can be created in foreign policy in a manner other than through military strength, through diplomacy. Islamabad's ability to resolve the ongoing issues with Washington and Tehran could make it a more active member of the regional community of responsible actors who can help maintain peace and stability.
It is not a question of Confrontation vs Diplomacy in the case of Pakistan. It is trying to establish a diplomatic arena.
To be able to communicate with those on the opposing side is a diplomatic power in a very polarized middle east. This is the moment for Pakistan to put that leverage to good use in the region – not only to advance its national interests but also to help find a negotiated, peaceful path forward.
