Key Takeaways
- Diplomatic sources suggest Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif may meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian today.
- The meeting is part of Pakistan’s efforts to broker dialogue between Washington and Tehran.
- The UN General Assembly address by PM Shehbaz has been rescheduled to 12:30am (Pakistan time) on Friday.
Diplomatic sources have suggested that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan may meet with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian today, as part of Pakistan’s efforts to broker dialogue between Washington and Tehran.
The anticipated meeting comes amid renewed US-Iran contacts around the United Nations General Assembly, with Qatar and Pakistan both involved in efforts to keep communication open between the two countries.
Pakistan is working through a parallel channel with Tehran, while Qatar is handling the immediate shuttle diplomacy between the US and Iran in New York.
The two countries appear to be operating through different but connected channels, with Qatar directly involved in the New York shuttle and acknowledging work with Pakistan to reduce tensions between Washington and Tehran.
The meeting, if it takes place, would be a significant step in regional diplomacy, as both countries seek to maintain dialogue and prevent the collapse of ongoing diplomatic contacts.
Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz’s address to the UN General Assembly has been rescheduled to 12:30am (Pakistan time) on Friday, following the anticipated meeting with the Iranian president.
The prime minister has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the IMF-supported reform programme, citing progress in fiscal discipline, tariff regimes, and privatisation as the country transitions toward economic recovery despite regional turmoil.
Diplomatic efforts to bring the US and Iran back to the negotiating table are intensifying, with Pakistan and Qatar playing key roles in facilitating dialogue and reducing tensions.
