ISLAMABAD: In an unusual move, Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Wednesday issued message to media persons urging restraint in reporting on speculation surrounding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and Persian Gulf. The message, addressed to “Dear Media Colleagues,” cautioned against rumors linking Pakistan to developments in US–Iran peace efforts and reiterated that diplomacy required confidentiality.
شاہ سے زیادہ شاہ میڈیا کو ترجمان دفتر خارجہ کا پیغام!
Dear Media Colleagues
AssalamoalaikumMany media outlets are carrying speculations/ rumours on ongoing conflict in ME/Persian Gulf with fake info about Pakistan. I am receiving many calls seeking comment/confirmation on…
— Riaz ul Haq (@Riazhaq) March 25, 2026
The advisory came amid a swirl of reports suggesting Islamabad was already hosting or brokering talks between Washington and Tehran. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier declared that Pakistan was “ready and honored” to host such negotiations, a statement that was amplified when US President Donald Trump reposted the offer on his Truth Social account. The gesture was widely interpreted as tacit endorsement, though no formal confirmation was issued by Washington.
Diplomatic sources have indicated that back-channel contacts were underway, with Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir reportedly engaging President Trump and Prime Minister Sharif speaking with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian. Alongside Egypt and Turkiye, Pakistan has been part of discreet mediation efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions.
However, the Foreign Office stressed that speculation could jeopardize sensitive negotiations. “Diplomacy and negotiations require discretion and confidentiality. The media is therefore urged to refrain from speculation and to await official announcements on any decisions or outcomes,” the message read.
Officials said the advisory was intended to protect the credibility of Pakistan’s role as a facilitator rather than a partisan actor.
Analysts agreed that premature headlines risked embarrassing Islamabad or hardening positions among negotiating parties. The text message, unprecedented in its directness, underscored both the fragility of back-channel diplomacy and Pakistan’s desire to be seen as a serious peace broker rather than a subject of rumor.
