Academy Award-winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy believes negotiations between the United States and Iran in Islamabad mark a pivotal moment in the history of the region and beyond.

In a series of Instagram stories, she called the moment one where “the world holds its breath” and said the Islamabad Talks serve as a reminder that “peace is not inevitable, it is a choice”. Recalling a childhood lesson from her grandfather, the filmmaker said, “It’s easy to raise your fists. It’s much harder to open your hands and make peace.”

The filmmaker said the talk were just about diplomacy or strategy, “It’s about preventing escalation in a world already stretched thin.” She said Pakistan was owed due credit for bringing both sides to the table, demonstrating “not just leadership”, but “responsibility in action”.

Touching on the possible results of the mediation, Chinoy said, “A breakthrough here wouldn’t just be a win for two countries, it would be a win for humanity.” If, however, the talks broke down, she said the consequences would be dire, possibly plunging the world into the abyss of war once more. So, she said, millions across the world must come together in quiet prayer for peace to prevail.