Diplomacy must now deliver a lasting ceasefire

September 22, 2026

The visit of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to Tehran sends an important message at a time when tensions in the region remain high: the door of diplomacy is still open. Naqvi’s meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Eskandar Momeni, focused officially on Pakistan-Iran relations, regional developments and cooperation between the two countries. Momeni also appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. The timing of the visit, however, gives it a wider significance. Pakistan has repeatedly engaged with Iran and other parties during the regional crisis, and Naqvi has been involved in earlier diplomatic efforts. Pakistani sources have linked his latest visit to discussions about the wider regional situation and attempts to revive stalled talks. At the same time, Iranian reporting has stressed that the visit is not formally connected with the exchange of messages between Tehran and Washington.

It is therefore difficult to say with certainty whether the latest visit was encouraged by Iranian authorities, prompted by developments in Washington, or simply undertaken as part of Pakistan’s continuing diplomatic engagement. What matters more is that communication channels remain open. Pakistan’s position gives it an opportunity to encourage dialogue between the parties. But diplomacy cannot remain limited to meetings, messages and expressions of goodwill. The ultimate objective must be a durable and clearly defined ceasefire. The region has already paid a heavy price for prolonged conflict. Continued military confrontation threatens civilians, trade, energy supplies and the wider regional economy. It also creates new risks for neighbouring countries, including Pakistan. The latest diplomatic contacts should therefore be used to build a serious path towards a permanent ceasefire and, ultimately, a political settlement. Pakistan can encourage this process, but lasting peace will require commitments from all sides.

The message from Tehran should not simply be that diplomacy is possible. It should be that diplomacy must now produce results.