WASHINGTON, Apr 09 (dna):Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has said Islamabad’s quiet and sensitive diplomacy helped secure a fragile two-week ceasefire in the Gulf region, stressing that ongoing negotiations are entering an “even more sensitive phase” and must remain largely outside the media spotlight.In an interview with France 24, the envoy highlighted Pakistan’s role as a lead facilitator in back-channel talks that resulted in the truce, announced earlier by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
“This deal was the result of very sensitive behind-the-scenes conversations between the relevant parties, with friends around the region,” he said, adding that discretion would remain critical as efforts continue to transform the temporary ceasefire into a comprehensive and durable agreement.
Sheikh noted that Pakistan worked alongside several regional and international partners, including Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and China, to help de-escalate tensions and bring the parties closer to an understanding. He emphasized that negotiations were being deliberately kept out of public view to avoid misinterpretations and conflicting narratives in the media.
Responding to questions about Pakistan’s credibility as a mediator despite its close ties with both Iran and Gulf states, the ambassador said Islamabad’s consistent adherence to international law and the UN Charter had enabled it to maintain trust across the region.
“Pakistan has always upheld principles of sovereignty and international law,” he said. “That principled position allows us to speak positively with all countries involved.”
The ambassador also stressed Pakistan’s desire for wider regional stability, expressing hope that peace efforts would ultimately benefit countries such as Lebanon, whose people, he said, “have suffered a lot.”
On speculation about the involvement of Israel in the process, Sheikh clarified that Pakistan was not directly aware of any such role within its facilitation framework due to the absence of diplomatic ties, though other participating countries might have maintained separate channels.
He warned that escalating tensions had posed serious risks to civilians and regional stability, particularly given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a major portion of Pakistan’s energy supplies transit.
Commenting on reports attributed to Donald Trump warning of catastrophic consequences if a deal was not reached, Sheikh said the recent period had been marked by intense rhetoric as well as real dangers on the ground, including attacks on civilian infrastructure.
“Pakistan, working with partners, helped bring this deal to fruition and ensure a ceasefire,” he said, adding that Islamabad hoped negotiations in the coming days would lead to a more definitive and lasting settlement.
He reiterated Pakistan’s call for restraint by all sides and urged stakeholders to allow diplomacy to proceed in the interest of peace and stability across the region.
