ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar addressed the mounting tensions in the Middle East on Monday, highlighting Pakistan’s vigilant monitoring of the rapidly evolving crisis. He stressed the urgent need for all involved parties to prioritize diplomatic engagement and dialogue to prevent further deterioration of the situation. Dar’s remarks came during a detailed press briefing where he outlined Pakistan’s proactive diplomatic efforts aimed at calming the volatile environment.
Dar explained that Pakistan is maintaining continuous communication with key regional players and is leveraging every available diplomatic avenue to ease the growing strain following a series of military strikes involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. He described the current circumstances as highly sensitive and fragile, underscoring the risks of escalation if tensions are not managed carefully. him, the only viable path forward lies in sustained negotiations and peaceful resolution.
Expressing grave concern over Iran’s recent missile and drone attacks targeting Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, Dar acknowledged Tehran’s justification of these actions as self-defense. This response was reportedly in retaliation to the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in an operation attributed to US and Israeli forces last Saturday. Dar conveyed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Iranian people during this period of loss and mourning.
He also revealed that one Pakistani national lost their life amid the hostilities in the UAE, highlighting the human cost of the conflict on Pakistani citizens abroad. This tragic incident adds to the growing concerns about the safety of expatriates in the region as violence escalates.
Turning to Pakistan’s regional security concerns, Dar discussed Islamabad’s ongoing engagement with Afghanistan. He noted that Pakistan has sought firm assurances from Afghan authorities to prevent the use of Afghan territory for hostile activities against Pakistan. He pointed out that Islamabad possesses credible evidence of serious violations emanating from Afghan soil, which continue to pose security challenges. This underscores the complex security dynamics Pakistan faces on multiple fronts.
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to counterterrorism efforts within its borders, citing the recent Operation Ghazab lil-Haq targeting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant factions. He emphasized that these operations are conducted with strict adherence to protecting civilian lives, ensuring that non-combatants are not harmed during military actions.
On the broader Middle East front, Dar confirmed Pakistan’s support for ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at restoring peace in Gaza. He stressed the critical importance of providing humanitarian aid to the civilian population caught in the crossfire, highlighting Pakistan’s concern for human suffering amid the conflict.
Meanwhile, the US Central Command reported a significant incident involving three US F-15E fighter jets, which were mistakenly downed by Kuwaiti air defenses during active operations against Iranian forces. This friendly fire incident resulted in all six crew members ejecting safely, but it adds another layer of complexity to the already tense military situation in the region.
The conflict in the Middle East has intensified sharply, with Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting American military installations and Israeli sites. In retaliation, Israel has conducted airstrikes on locations in Tehran and southern Beirut, resulting in at least 31 fatalities in Lebanon, Lebanese authorities. These developments have raised international alarm over the potential for a wider regional war.
Dar highlighted Pakistan’s balanced foreign relations, noting strong ties with China, the United States, and neighboring countries. He stressed Islamabad’s active role in encouraging all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further inflame the crisis. His appeal focused on the urgent need for negotiations and diplomatic solutions to prevent the conflict from spiraling out of control.
Concluding his remarks, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding policy of advocating for regional stability and respect for international law. He cautioned that unilateral military actions risk undermining security across the Middle East and beyond, emphasizing that peaceful dialogue remains the cornerstone for lasting peace. Pakistan’s stance reflects its deep commitment to fostering a secure and stable environment in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
