ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday held high-stakes discussions with US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker, as Pakistan intensifies its “shuttle diplomacy” to prevent a return to full-scale hostilities between Washington and Tehran.
The meeting at the Ministry of Interior is taken by many observers to have served as a critical briefing on the security and logistical framework for the second round of the “Islamabad Talks.” The diplomatic push comes as Pakistan continues to act as the primary conduit for messages between the Trump administration and the Iranian leadership.
اسلام آباد۔وفاقی وزیرداخلہ محسن نقوی سے امریکی سفیر نیٹلی بیکر کی اہم ملاقات،خطے کی تازہ ترین صورتحال پر تفصیلی تبادلہ خیال
ملاقات میں اسلام مذاکرات کے دوسرے راؤنڈ کے انعقاد کے حوالے سے سفارتی کاوشوں پر بھی بات چیت، تنازعہ کے دیرپا حل کے سفارتی چینلز کے تسلسل کی ضرورت پر زور… pic.twitter.com/nR5Z665z5k
— Faisal Hakeem (@FaisalHakeem39) April 23, 2026
During the meeting, officials said Mohsin Naqvi expressed deep appreciation for US President Donald Trump’s decision to extend the two-week ceasefire, which was set to expire amid heightened regional tension. The Minister characterized the extension as a “welcome development” and a “significant step toward reducing regional friction.”
“The extension of the ceasefire by President Trump is a testament to the power of dialogue,” Mr. Naqvi stated. He added that Pakistan is also expecting “positive progress” from the Iranian side, noting that a sustainable solution is the only guarantor of peace in the Middle East.
With the capital currently hosting high-level delegations, the Interior Minister briefed the US envoy on the “foolproof” security measures implemented for the upcoming negotiations.
It is pertinent to mention here that despite the absence of a full-fledged US Ambassador for over a year, Natalie Baker has been at the forefront of this diplomatic marathon. She reportedly commended Pakistan’s “constructive and sincere role” in de-escalating the crisis.
Mr. Naqvi reiterated that the top civil and military leadership—including Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal General Asim Munir—are “making all-out efforts at every level” to ensure the success of the peace process.
“Pakistan advocates for a resolution through diplomatic channels,” the Minister emphasized, hoping that both parties would prioritize a peaceful settlement over a return to the “maritime standoff” in the Strait of Hormuz.
