PAKISTAN PERSPECTIVE

Islamabad fights to stay at the center of the game—because peace has become its currency of exchange. Dawn, the leading daily, offers the densest and most lucid coverage in the entire pool. The newspaper reveals that Pakistan, supported by Turkey and Egypt, works behind the scenes to organize a second round of negotiations before the ceasefire expires on April 21. Tehran prefers Islamabad as venue; Geneva is the alternative. The immediate priority is extending the 45-day truce. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif tells the cabinet that the ceasefire is "under pressure but holding." Dawn's editorial, "It's far from over," is a model of analytical journalism. It reminds readers that Vance left Islamabad mentioning only nuclear issues as the sticking point, while Trump himself emphasized the Strait of Hormuz—suggesting the two subjects are separate negotiating levers. Dawn also notes that neither side has denied the possibility of a new round, which the newspaper reads as a positive signal. But Pakistan is not a disinterested mediator. Geo News reveals that Islamabad negotiates in parallel with Riyadh and Beijing for $3 billion in financial support to repay an Emirates loan. The Finance Minister discusses Eurobonds, strategic loans, and emergency fuel reserves. Iranian mediation is inseparable from Pakistani economic survival—and Dawn does not hide this, which is what gives it credibility.