ISLAMABAD, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Developments taking place behind closed doors regarding ongoing peace efforts in the Middle East and talks between the United States and Iran are "far more promising" than publicly known, an official source told Xinhua on Wednesday.
According to the source, diplomatic engagements involving regional and international stakeholders have continued quietly despite visible tensions on the surface.
"Developments unfolding behind closed doors appear far more promising than what is publicly known, even as tensions remain visible on the surface," said the source, adding that Pakistani leadership is making consistent efforts for a permanent peace deal in the region.
The source added that ongoing negotiations and mediation efforts could soon begin producing tangible big outcomes late this week.
Earlier in the day, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that U.S. President Donald Trump's response to the request made by Pakistan and other countries to pause Project Freedom will go a long way towards advancing regional peace, stability and reconciliation.
Addressing a conference in Islamabad, Sharif said that dialogue channels have remained open, and expressed confidence that the engagements between the United States and Iran would soon transform into lasting peace.■
