He says progress has been significant and both sides have developed an understanding
Minister of Law and Justice, lawyer Aqeel Malik. SCREENSHOT
Law and Justice Minister Barrister Aqeel Malik said on Friday that the coming week would be “quite important” for Pakistan as Islamabad is once again expected to host talks between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the Middle East war.
Pakistan has served as a mediator between the United States and Iran since the war began on February 28 and has hosted the highest-level talks between the two sides since diplomatic ties broke down in 1979.
Speaking to a private news channel, Malik said the government had completed preparations for the next round of talks, including preventive security measures. He added that, as in the previous cycle, foolproof security would be ensured, this time with even stricter provisions.
“Within a few hours or later tonight, things will start to become clearer. I won’t give a specific date or time, but the coming week seems to be very important for Pakistan, especially Islamabad,” he said.
Malik added that today’s announcement by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to open the Strait of Hormuz was part of a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon, adding that Pakistan, along with Muslim and friendly countries, had undertaken diplomatic efforts in this regard.
Read: Iran FM announces the opening of Hormuz to all commercial vessels until the remaining duration of the ceasefire
Describing the development as positive, he said things had been largely resolved, citing statements by Iranian and American authorities. “Things seem to be moving in the right direction, which is very good,” he said.
Terming Pakistan’s efforts as “par excellence”, the minister said the diplomatic engagement of military and civilian leaders continued to achieve lasting and lasting peace, adding that Pakistan played a pivotal role in the process.
Responding to a question on the timeline for a possible deal, Malik said diplomacy was a work in progress and results could not be rushed, especially when it came to mediation. “Mediation takes time. Both sides start from strong positions and then talks take place, followed by messaging and shuttle diplomacy, in which Pakistan played a central role, especially during last week’s talks in Islamabad,” he said.
He added that since last week there had been significant progress and both sides had reached an agreement. “President Trump has said that, and the Iranian authorities have also indicated that things have progressed significantly, which is a very good and positive sign,” he said.
He ruled out the participation of other foreign leaders or heads of state in the expected deal, saying the issue only concerns the United States and Iran, with Pakistan playing the role of mediator and leading the efforts.
Read also: Trump says Iran war should end ‘soon,’ Hezbollah should support truce
“I think the next meeting will not involve negotiations; it will indicate that everything is final and ready to be signed,” he said, adding that whenever this happens, it will be very significant for Pakistan and send a message of peace to the world.
The minister’s statement came as Tehran on Friday declared the Strait of Hormuz “completely open” to commercial shipping – the first time since the war began on February 28. Pakistan secured a 14-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran on April 8.
Tehran imposed control of the key waterway shortly after the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran on Feb. 28, affecting global energy supplies and maritime traffic.
The United States has imposed its own blockade on Iranian ports since Monday this week, and President Donald Trump has threatened to continue it.
Tehran’s announcement comes after Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir met with Iran’s top civilian and military leaders over the past two days in Tehran.
