Islamabad has taken a firm stance urging all parties involved in the escalating conflict in the Middle East to exercise restraint and prioritize diplomatic solutions over military confrontations. The Pakistani government is actively engaging with both regional and global partners to promote peaceful dialogue and prevent the situation from spiraling into a broader crisis. This approach reflects Pakistan’s longstanding commitment to respecting sovereignty and upholding international law as fundamental principles for resolving disputes.
During the weekly press briefing in Islamabad, Ambassador Tahir Andrabi, the spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Office, emphasized that Pakistan has consistently advocated for renewed diplomatic engagement to de-escalate tensions. He highlighted that the Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, recently embarked on a one-day official visit to Saudi Arabia, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. This high-level delegation is scheduled to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, underscoring the importance Pakistan places on maintaining close coordination with Saudi Arabia regarding regional peace and security efforts.
The visit to Riyadh is part of a broader strategy aimed at fostering cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to halt the ongoing cycle of violence that has destabilized the region. Ambassador Andrabi pointed out that Pakistan has unequivocally condemned the recent attacks on the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as Iran’s retaliatory strikes targeting several Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. These acts have been described as violations of national sovereignty, with the potential to further destabilize an already volatile region.
In addition to the Gulf states, Pakistan has also expressed serious concerns about recent attacks affecting Türkiye and Azerbaijan. The spokesperson warned that such incidents risk broadening the conflict and undermining the framework of international law that governs peaceful coexistence among nations. Since the escalation began on February 28, Pakistan’s leadership has been deeply involved in diplomatic outreach, engaging in continuous dialogue with key regional players to promote de-escalation and stability.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has personally held telephone conversations with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, Türkiye, Lebanon, Malaysia, and Azerbaijan, demonstrating Pakistan’s proactive role in facilitating communication and coordination among these countries. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has maintained close contact with his counterparts across the region and beyond, including multiple discussions with Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. These efforts aim to encourage dialogue and seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
Amid these developments, Pakistan has also faced direct consequences of the conflict. Ambassador Andrabi confirmed the tragic loss of two Pakistani nationals in the United Arab Emirates during the hostilities. Pakistani diplomatic missions in the UAE have been actively involved in repatriating the deceased and providing support to their grieving families. Furthermore, the Foreign Ministry has activated its Crisis Management Unit, which operates around the clock to assist Pakistani citizens affected by the turmoil. Across the region, Pakistan’s embassies and consulates have established facilitation desks, helplines, and registration portals to help stranded nationals with travel arrangements and consular services.
When questioned about Pakistan’s potential role in mediating the conflict, Ambassador Andrabi clarified that Pakistan’s focus remains on three fundamental principles: respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, strict adherence to the United Nations Charter and international law, and the promotion of renewed diplomatic engagement to peacefully resolve disputes. This stance reflects Pakistan’s broader foreign policy approach, which prioritizes dialogue and legal frameworks over military action.
Turning to regional security concerns, the spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s demand for verifiable guarantees from the Afghan government that its territory will not be used to launch terrorist attacks against Pakistan. Since such assurances have not been forthcoming, Pakistan intends to continue its current policy and reserves the right to take necessary self-defense measures in response to any cross-border aggression. This position highlights ongoing tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and the complex security challenges facing the region.
Additionally, Ambassador Andrabi voiced apprehension regarding a recent uranium supply agreement between Canada and India. He described the arrangement as a selective exception within the framework of civil nuclear cooperation, warning that it could undermine the global non-proliferation regime. The spokesperson cautioned that guaranteed uranium supplies might enable India to divert its domestic reserves for military purposes, potentially accelerating the expansion of its nuclear arsenal and exacerbating strategic imbalances in South Asia.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s official stance, Andrabi stressed that civil nuclear cooperation should be governed by a non-discriminatory, criteria-based approach applicable to all states outside the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) framework. He warned that selective exceptions weaken the credibility of the global non-proliferation architecture and pose risks to both regional and international peace and security. This statement underscores Pakistan’s ongoing concerns about nuclear parity and strategic stability in the region.
