‘Hope shouldn’t be lost’: PTI urges optimism after US–Iran talks in Islamabad

• Party’s CIS Sheikh Waqas says only ‘few key issues’ remain unresolved, calling outcome a ‘positive step forward,’ not a setback

• Urges allies including China, Türkiye, Egypt to sustain diplomatic push as US-Iran express confidence in Islamabad’s mediation role

• Stresses Pakistan should remain firmly committed to mediation and peaceful engagement, saying ‘Yes to peace, no to war’ must guide Pakistan’s foreign policy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram on Sunday said that although the latest round of talks between Iran and the United States in Islamabad concluded without a final agreement, the outcome should not be viewed as a setback, as both sides reported significant progress and narrowed their differences to only a few key issues.

In a statement issued by the PTI Central Information Secretary (CIS), Waqas noted that while the absence of a formal deal may appear disappointing at first glance, it is important to recognise that the negotiations advanced meaningfully, with only limited points of disagreement still unresolved.

“Optimism must not be lost in such situations. Diplomatic processes take time, and reaching a stage where only a handful of issues remain unresolved is, in itself, a positive step forward,” he said, stressing that sustained dialogue remains the only viable path to durable peace.

He highlighted Pakistan’s role in facilitating a ceasefire environment and hosting the high-level talks, saying the effort underscores the country’s potential to act as a bridge for peace in a region long plagued by instability and conflict. Waqas added that both Washington and Tehran expressed confidence in Pakistan and appreciated its role in securing a ceasefire and providing a platform for dialogue, placing Islamabad in a position to continue mediation and potentially host future rounds of negotiations.

“The United States, Iran and all countries observing the fourteen-day ceasefire must remain committed to it, allowing sufficient time and space for diplomacy to address complex differences,” he said.

Waqas also acknowledged the supportive role played by Pakistan’s friendly countries, including China, Türkiye, Egypt and others, in backing Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts. He urged these nations, along with regional and European partners, to continue their constructive engagement with greater resolve to prevent the region from slipping back into a devastating conflict.

Reiterating PTI’s stance, he said Pakistan should remain firmly committed to mediation and peaceful engagement. “The principle of ‘yes to peace, no to war,’ as emphasised during the tenure of Imran Khan, must continue to guide our foreign policy,” he added.

He further stressed that at a time of heightened regional tensions, Pakistan must steer clear of any armed conflict, noting that such an approach aligns with both national interests and the aspirations of its people for stability, economic progress and peace.

“Pakistan must continue to promote dialogue, de-escalate tensions and play a constructive role in bringing parties together — because, ultimately, peace is always the stronger choice,” he concluded.