Open Channels

April 07, 2026

Newspaper, Opinions, Editorials

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter

Pakistan once again finds itself in the middle of a dangerous geopolitical confrontation, and despite the obvious risks and limited room for manoeuvre, it is playing the right role. Acting as a conduit between Iran and the United States at a time when both sides are entrenched is not a position of comfort, but it is one of necessity.

Iran’s response, passed through Pakistan, reflects a clear and deliberate position. Tehran is not willing to accept a ceasefire that merely pauses the fighting while the United States and Israel regroup. Its demands — an end to the war, sanctions relief, reconstruction, and secure access through the Strait of Hormuz — are rooted in the reality that it currently holds leverage. The closure of Hormuz has shifted the balance, giving Iran a chokehold over global energy flows. It is not surprising that it is reluctant to give that up without guarantees that fundamentally alter the terms of the conflict.

Austerity Implementation

In this environment, the importance of a backchannel cannot be overstated. Public rhetoric, threats, and deadlines — especially from figures like Donald Trump — are as much about signalling as they are about policy. The timing of these statements, often aligned with the opening of global markets, points to a calculated effort to contain panic while projecting control. But the real work of diplomacy does not happen on podiums or social media. It happens quietly, away from public scrutiny, where positions can be tested without the pressure of immediate escalation.

Pakistan’s role is to keep that space alive. It does not have the power to impose a settlement, nor should it attempt to. What it can do is ensure that lines of communication remain intact when direct engagement becomes politically impossible for the principal actors.

Education Crisis

There will be criticism that mediation has not produced a breakthrough. That misses the point. In a conflict defined by hard positions and mutual distrust, preventing a total collapse of dialogue is itself meaningful. Pakistan’s relevance lies in its ability to remain in the room, even when others are shutting doors.

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter

© The Nation (Editorials)