On Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar underscored Pakistan’s commitment to promoting dialogue and diplomatic solutions amid the intensifying conflict in the Middle East. He urged all involved parties to prioritize peaceful negotiations rather than escalating hostilities, as the region faces a growing crisis marked by recent military exchanges. The situation has deteriorated significantly, with Israel launching attacks targeting Iran, which in turn retaliated by firing missiles and deploying drones against what it described as American interests and military bases scattered across Gulf countries.
Speaking to members of the diplomatic community in Islamabad, Dar emphasized that Pakistan is actively engaged in efforts to de-escalate the volatile situation. He acknowledged the complexity of the current diplomatic landscape, describing it as a challenging period that demands careful and persistent engagement. “We are navigating through difficult diplomatic times, and all our initiatives are concentrated on reducing tensions and encouraging the conflicting parties to return to the negotiating table,” he remarked, highlighting Pakistan’s role as a mediator seeking to prevent further violence.
Dar stressed that sustained dialogue and diplomatic engagement remain the only feasible avenues to achieve lasting peace in the region. He also noted that Pakistan is closely observing developments in Iran, recognizing the country’s pivotal role in the unfolding events. “Our stance firmly supports peaceful dispute resolution through diplomatic channels,” he added, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to international peace efforts.
The Deputy Prime Minister also touched upon the human cost of the conflict, revealing that one Pakistani citizen lost their life in a recent attack in the United Arab Emirates. This tragic incident underscores the far-reaching impact of the hostilities beyond the immediate combat zones. Dar reiterated Pakistan’s intention to maintain friendly and cooperative relations with all its neighbors, emphasizing the importance of regional stability for the country’s own security and prosperity.
Turning to the situation in Palestine, Dar highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing contributions toward resolving the crisis in Gaza. He mentioned that a coalition of Arab and Islamic nations had engaged in substantive discussions with then-US President Donald Trump, aiming to restore peace in Gaza and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to the affected population. These diplomatic efforts reflect Pakistan’s broader commitment to supporting peace and humanitarian relief in conflict zones.
Furthermore, Dar recalled his recent visit to Afghanistan, where he held comprehensive talks with Taliban leaders focusing on trade and economic cooperation. During these discussions, Pakistan urged Afghanistan to prevent its territory from being exploited for terrorist activities. “We possess concrete evidence indicating that Afghan soil has been used to facilitate terrorism,” he stated, highlighting a critical security concern for Pakistan. This dialogue is part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to promote regional stability and counter extremism through constructive engagement.
