PAKISTAN’S internal problems, such as political unrest, economic instability and external militancy, have been the world’s primary focus for decades.

Yet, in a stunning reversal of narrative, Islamabad has emerged as the unlikely but indispensable stage for one of the most consequential diplomatic engagements of the decade: direct talks between the United States and Iran. The roar of threats that once defined the Gulf´s recent standoff has been mulled in the peace and calm of the beautiful Islamabad, which has been secured for the most important talks in decades. This armistice alters Pakistan’s global standing, presenting a rare opportunity to leverage its established trust and unique geographic position to emerge as a leader in peace and mediation. The risks are exceedingly high and the benefits, if managed effectively, might alter nation’s fate.

The ongoing conversations, initiated following weeks of intense backchannel diplomacy orchestrated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, exemplify a masterclass in strategic statecraft. When tensions between the United States and Iran threatened to ignite a regional war with devastating consequences for global energy supplies, Pakistan stepped into the void. leveraging its long-standing ties with Tehran as a neighbour and its strategic dialogue with Washington as a security partner, Islamabad proposed a neutral venue. Crucially, both sides accepted. The resulting “Islamabad........

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