Pakistan is intensifying its diplomatic endeavors to convince Iran to refrain from launching attacks on Saudi Arabia, a move aimed at de-escalating the growing conflict in the Middle East. Rana Sanaullah, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, revealed on Wednesday that Pakistan’s military and political leadership are deeply involved in ongoing communications with Iranian officials. This comes amid heightened tensions following coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel against targets inside Iran, which have significantly escalated regional instability.
In a detailed briefing on the political affairs show ‘Geo Pakistan’, Sanaullah shared insights from a confidential meeting held earlier the same day. The session, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, brought together leaders and representatives from various parliamentary parties to discuss the complex situation unfolding in the Middle East, the evolving dynamics in Afghanistan, and Pakistan’s role in mediating peace efforts. The military leadership informed attendees that they maintain continuous contact with Iranian counterparts, striving to clear up misunderstandings and prevent the conflict from spreading to Gulf nations, particularly Saudi Arabia.
During the closed-door meeting, Sanaullah emphasized that while the participants acknowledged Iran’s right to respond to Israeli actions, there was a consensus that Tehran’s retaliation should not extend to Gulf countries. This delicate balance reflects Pakistan’s broader strategy to avoid further regional destabilization and maintain peace among neighboring states. The adviser also highlighted the active involvement of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who has been engaged in extensive diplomatic talks with several countries, especially those in the Gulf Cooperation Council, to reduce tensions and foster dialogue.
Sanaullah, Ishaq Dar conveyed that Iran has assured Pakistan it would abstain from attacking Saudi Arabia if Riyadh guarantees that its territory will not be used as a launching pad for operations against Tehran. This understanding is a crucial element in Pakistan’s mediation efforts, as it seeks to facilitate direct communication between the two regional powers. Sanaullah further noted that Pakistan’s military and political leadership have historically played a significant role in previous negotiations involving Iran, which positions the country as a credible intermediary in the current crisis.
Expanding on the broader context, Sanaullah described the conflict as a war that has effectively been imposed on Iran, with Pakistan’s diplomatic mission focused on brokering an agreement to halt the hostilities. He warned that the United States may have miscalculated by expecting Iran to capitulate after initial strikes and accept all imposed conditions without resistance. This misjudgment could potentially prolong the conflict, further destabilizing the region. The adviser’s comments underscore the precarious nature of the situation and the urgent need for diplomatic solutions.
Since the onset of the US-Israel military campaign against Iran on February 28, the human toll has been devastating. Iran’s official news agency IRNA reported on Wednesday that over 1,000 individuals, including military personnel and civilians, have lost their lives. The Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs confirmed that 1,045 people have been killed during the ongoing aggression, highlighting the severe impact of the conflict on Iranian society. This grim statistic adds urgency to Pakistan’s efforts to mediate peace and prevent further bloodshed in the region.
