'Losses for everyone': Pakistan on standby as US-Iran peace talks remain in doubt

Heightened security remained in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad on Wednesday (April 22) after U.S. President Donald Trump said he would indefinitely extend the ceasefire with Iran to allow for further peace talks, although it was not clear if Iran or Israel, the U.S. ally in the two-month war, would agree.

Armed police stood guard at checkpoints across Islamabad's Red Zone area, with streets noticeably quiet near the Serena Hotel, the venue designated for a possible second round of U.S.-Iran peace talks.

Residents said they were watching events closely, with many calling for dialogue over conflict.

"A ceasefire alone is not a solution; it only delays the problem," said Mushtaq Abbasi, 65, standing at a nearby newspaper kiosk. "Ultimately, this results in losses for everyone, particularly for countries across Asia."

Pakistan's leaders have hosted peace talks in Islamabad to end a war that has killed thousands of people and shaken the global economy.

-Salahuddin, Arooba Charakla, Jacinta Goh/Reuters