A high-level Iranian delegation has arrived in Islamabad for negotiations with U.S. representatives aimed at de-escalating the ongoing conflict in Iran. Accompanying the delegation are the schoolbags of Iranian children who lost their lives in the war — a poignant symbolic gesture meant to underscore the human cost of the violence.
The delegation, led by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqir Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, was warmly received by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Also present at the reception were National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Arrival of the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran for Islamabad Talks pic.twitter.com/aJYU9cx5t2
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 10, 2026
In a statement, the Foreign Office said Minister Dar expressed hope that Iran and the United States would pursue negotiations “in a constructive and meaningful manner” to bring lasting peace to the region.
🇮🇷 Children of Minab traveling with the Iranian delegation, led by Dr. Ghalibaf. pic.twitter.com/U6bEgedBX0
— DD Geopolitics (@DD_Geopolitics) April 10, 2026
The conflict, which began approximately 40 days ago, has triggered widespread devastation across the Middle East. Iranian officials report that thousands — including women and children — have been killed or injured in Israeli and U.S.-led strikes. Among the most harrowing incidents was the February 28 missile attack on Shajra Tayyaba Girls’ Primary School in southern Iran’s Menab, where more than 165 people, mostly schoolchildren, were killed.
The Iranian delegation brought with them the schoolbags of over 160 children from Menab School — a somber reminder of the lives lost. The attack drew condemnation from UNESCO, Pakistan, and other international partners, as well as human rights organizations. For Iran, the tragedy remains a national wound — one that continues to echo across the country.
