The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad convened a roundtable on March 06, 2026, bringing together former diplomats, leading academics and prominent practitioners to examine the evolving situation in Iran and Pakistan policy response.

Participants noted that tensions in Iran remain acute following recent United States and Israeli strikes and Iran’s retaliatory actions, developments that have heightened instability across the Middle East and raised serious concerns for regional security and economic continuity.

Speakers emphasised the urgent need for dialogue and diplomatic engagement to halt further escalation. They argued that Pakistan policy response must balance national security priorities with proactive diplomacy to protect Pakistan’s strategic interests and trade links affected by regional volatility.

Several attendees highlighted Pakistan’s potential role as a mediator, urging Islamabad to promote channels of communication between regional actors while coordinating with international partners to de-escalate tensions. The consensus underscored the importance of measured policy calibration, continuous monitoring of developments, and readiness for diplomatic initiatives to preserve regional stability.

The discussion, held under Chatham House Rule, reflected a broad agreement that Pakistan policy response should prioritise safeguarding citizens and national interests through restrained statecraft and sustained diplomatic outreach in the face of uncertain regional dynamics.