Pakistan Steps Forward as Key Mediator in Efforts to Ease Middle East Tensions
ISLAMABAD: Prominent international television networks, newspapers, wire services, and media organisations have deployed senior correspondents to Pakistan as Islamabad gains attention as a potential venue for anticipated US-Iran talks.
An unusually large number of foreign journalists has been seen in the federal capital this week, highlighting rising expectations of Pakistan’s role as a mediator in efforts to de-escalate the ongoing Middle East conflict. The government has supported their presence by issuing visas on a priority basis.
Highly placed sources said that relevant ministries and departments have been directed to provide full support and logistical assistance to visiting media personnel. In this regard, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar has instructed officials to ensure maximum facilitation for journalists in carrying out their professional duties.
The influx of international media was particularly evident during the weekly Foreign Office briefing, led by Additional Foreign Secretary Tahir Hussain Andrabi. Journalists were given the opportunity to raise questions on all aspects of the evolving situation, with a strong focus on Pakistan’s engagement with parties involved in the conflict and its anticipated diplomatic role.
Ambassador Andrabi, who has also been appointed as Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva, responded cautiously due to the sensitive nature of the issue and declined to engage in any off-the-record discussions.
Following the briefing, he held an informal interaction with journalists from various regional and international outlets. Notably, while many global media organisations operate regional hubs in New Delhi, Islamabad has, for now, emerged as a key centre of diplomatic and media activity.
Sources further revealed that visiting journalists will be given access to the upcoming National Assembly session, set to begin on Monday, March 30.
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