Pakistan and China have jointly called on the United States and Iran to immediately stop hostilities and restart dialogue, as escalating conflict threatens the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding designed to end tensions. This appeal followed a meeting between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Shanghai.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO). During their discussions, both leaders exchanged views on the Iran situation and aligned their positions. The Chinese foreign ministry highlighted their shared concern over the worsening circumstances and urged all parties to cease hostilities, overcome obstacles, end interference, renew contacts, and resume negotiations to achieve a comprehensive peace agreement.
China emphasized the international community’s role in supporting de-escalation efforts. Wang described the first-phase memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran as “hard-won,” reflecting both bilateral negotiations and global efforts. He praised Pakistan’s crucial role in coordinating and mediating the process, noting that the memorandum’s core provisions serve the long-term interests of all parties and meet international expectations.
“Peace is within reach; we cannot afford to lose it now,” Wang stated, urging all involved to honor their commitments under the memorandum. China reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s mediation and pledged to continue contributing constructively to reducing tensions.
Dar updated Wang on Pakistan’s recent peace initiatives, expressed gratitude for China’s understanding and support, and reiterated Islamabad’s dedication to advancing dialogue. Meanwhile, conflict between the US and Iran intensified on Friday, with Tehran accusing Washington of targeting civilian sites including an airport, railway station, and two bridges. In retaliation, Iran launched drone strikes against US military allies and infrastructure in Kuwait.
The Strait of Hormuz, briefly reopened following the US-Iran agreement in June, was declared closed again by Tehran last week until the US ends its aggression. The United States has also reinstated a blockade of Iranian ports.
Separately, Pakistan’s Foreign Office noted that Dar and Wang reviewed the extensive scope of Pakistan-China bilateral relations, expressing satisfaction with the partnership’s ongoing strength and steady growth. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership and emphasized advancing high-quality development under CPEC 2.0.
They agreed to enhance practical cooperation across trade, investment, science and technology, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. The ministers also exchanged perspectives on recent regional and global developments, pledging to maintain close coordination and continue consultations on mutual interests. Both reiterated their dedication to collaboration within multilateral forums.
Following his visit, Dar announced on X that Pakistan had formally joined WAICO by signing the founding agreement. He also attended WAICO’s inaugural ceremony and held several productive bilateral meetings, including with Wang. Dar expressed appreciation for China’s hospitality and highlighted that his discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment to advancing the Pakistan-China partnership, with a special focus on CPEC 2.0 projects such as the Siah Diq mining project and the Karakoram Highway Realignment Project—key priorities agreed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to China in May 2025.
Dar praised President Xi Jinping’s keynote address at WAICO’s opening, recognizing artificial intelligence’s immense promise and the shared responsibility to ensure its benefits serve the common good. He concluded by noting his return to Islamabad ahead of an important week filled with diplomatic engagements and official duties.
At the airport, Dar was seen off by Su Lin, Senior Party Member of the Shanghai Municipal Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs, alongside officials from Pakistan’s embassy in Beijing and consulate general in Shanghai.
