ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar addressed the escalating crisis in the Middle East on Monday, emphasizing Pakistan’s vigilant observation of the rapidly worsening situation. He highlighted that Islamabad is actively engaging with regional stakeholders and utilizing every diplomatic avenue to encourage dialogue and reduce tensions following a series of military strikes involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
During a detailed press briefing, Dar described the current environment as highly volatile and precarious. He underscored Pakistan’s commitment to peace by stating that diplomatic negotiations remain the sole viable path to resolving the conflict. The Foreign Minister stressed that Islamabad is working tirelessly behind the scenes to prevent further deterioration and to promote constructive communication among the involved parties.
Dar expressed grave concern over the recent missile and drone attacks launched by Iran targeting Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. However, he also acknowledged Iran’s justification of these strikes as acts of self-defense in response to the assassination of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which occurred during a joint US-Israeli operation last Saturday. Pakistan conveyed its condolences and solidarity with the Iranian people over this significant loss.
Tragically, the violence has also affected Pakistani nationals abroad. Dar confirmed that one Pakistani citizen lost their life during the attacks in the UAE, highlighting the human cost of the conflict and the urgency of de-escalation efforts. This incident has further galvanized Pakistan’s resolve to advocate for peace and stability in the region.
Turning to regional security concerns, the Foreign Minister also addressed Pakistan’s ongoing engagement with Afghanistan. He revealed that Islamabad has sought firm guarantees from Afghan authorities to prevent the use of Afghan territory for hostile activities against Pakistan. Dar pointed out that Islamabad possesses credible evidence of serious violations emanating from Afghan soil, which remain a source of tension between the two neighbors.
In addition to regional diplomacy, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to combating terrorism within its borders. He referenced Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, an ongoing counterterrorism campaign targeting the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant factions. He made it clear that these operations are conducted with strict adherence to protecting civilian lives and infrastructure, aiming to restore peace and security domestically.
On the humanitarian front, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s support for international efforts aimed at restoring peace in Gaza. He emphasized the critical need for humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire, calling on all parties to facilitate aid delivery and uphold human rights.
Meanwhile, the US Central Command disclosed a significant incident involving the accidental downing of three US F-15E fighter jets by Kuwaiti air defenses during active operations against Iranian forces. This “friendly fire” episode resulted in all six crew members ejecting safely, but it underscores the chaotic and dangerous nature of the ongoing conflict in the region.
The broader Middle East conflict has escalated sharply, with Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting US military installations and Israeli sites. In retaliation, Israel has conducted airstrikes on Tehran and southern Beirut, resulting in at least 31 fatalities in Lebanon, Lebanese officials. This cycle of violence threatens to destabilize the entire region further.
Dar highlighted Pakistan’s balanced foreign relations, noting strong ties with China, the United States, and neighboring countries. He stressed Islamabad’s proactive role in urging all parties to exercise restraint and prioritize diplomatic solutions to avoid a wider regional conflagration. “We call on all sides to place negotiations and dialogue above military action to prevent further escalation,” he affirmed.
Concluding his remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing policy of supporting regional stability and adherence to international law. He warned that unilateral military interventions risk undermining security and peace across the Middle East, urging the global community to work collectively toward sustainable conflict resolution.
