From Nixon to Trump, Pakistan’s Diplomatic Role Remains Historic: Al Jazeera

Islamabad (Qudrat Daily) – Al Jazeera has highlighted Pakistan’s historic role as a diplomatic facilitator, noting that from the era of Richard Nixon to Donald Trump, the country has repeatedly acted as a key intermediary in regional and global conflicts.

According to the report, in mid-1971, a Pakistani government aircraft secretly carried U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger from Islamabad to Beijing, a mission facilitated by Pakistan to pave the way for Nixon’s historic 1972 visit to China and the eventual U.S. recognition of the People’s Republic of China. Pakistan was chosen for this role due to its trusted relations with both Washington and Beijing.

More than 50 years later, Pakistan is again playing a central diplomatic role. On March 25, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that Islamabad is conveying a 15-point U.S. ceasefire proposal to Iran, with Turkey and Egypt providing additional diplomatic support. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Israel’s campaign against Iran has entered its second month. U.S. chief negotiator Steve Witkoff confirmed that Pakistan is relaying messages between Washington and Tehran.

Following this, former President Donald Trump announced a 10-day delay in planned attacks on Iranian power plants, citing a request from the Iranian government. Although Iran has denied direct negotiations, Trump’s delay marks the second postponement of initial threats against the power plants, with Pakistan acting as a key diplomatic intermediary.

Analysts note that Pakistan’s geographic position, along with its balanced relations with the U.S., China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf states, enables it to act as a credible mediator. They add that the country’s diplomatic tradition, rather than purely U.S.-driven interests, underpins its continued influence in regional peace efforts.

Pakistan’s diplomatic contributions have also extended to Afghanistan over four decades, particularly during the 1980s Soviet invasion, when the country served as a critical conduit for U.S., Saudi, and Chinese military and financial assistance. Experts stress that Pakistan’s current role in mediating U.S.-Iran tensions underscores its unique influence in Washington, Tehran, and Gulf capitals, unmatched by any other regional actor.