Pakistan fails to curb Imran Khan's clout after 3 years in jail

On 4 August 2026, Pakistan was involved in diplomacy between the US and Iran. Dawn reported that Pakistan will host Iranian officials, and Al-Ahram reported that Pakistan invited Iran's foreign minister to visit Islamabad to discuss the crisis with Washington. Pakistan is also determined to finalize a free trade agreement with Iran, according to IRNA.

Al Jazeera asked whether Pakistan can keep US-Iran diplomacy alive as mistrust deepens. Hindustan Times and WION reported claims by a US expert, described by WION as an ex-US general, that Pakistan and Qatar are 'compromised' mediators. Nikkei Asia wrote that Pakistan has failed to curb Imran Khan's clout after three years in jail, and India said it will do whatever is necessary for national interest after Pakistan deployed 250 Chinese howitzers.