Dar speaks with UK, China and UAE as US-Iran diplomacy ramps up

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday held separate discussions with senior officials from the UK, China and the UAE on the evolving regional situation, as diplomatic efforts intensified to resolve the conflict between Iran and the United States.

Since the start of the war between the US, Israel, and Iran, Pakistan’s leadership has stepped up diplomatic efforts to help de-escalate tensions. Dar has held telephonic conversations with his counterparts from several Gulf states and other countries, stressing the importance of de-escalation and emphasising the need to pursue dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), British High Commissioner Jane Marriott called on Dar today and discussed the evolving regional situation.

“FM Dar underscored that diplomacy and dialogue remain the only viable path forward, emphasising the urgent need for early resolution of the conflict,” the statement said.

Later, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong also met Dar, where discussions focused on unfolding regional and global developments.

“Dar underscored the urgent need to promote de-escalation in the Middle East and the wider region through dialogue and diplomacy,” it added.

The ministry further said that both sides reiterated the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership and agreed to maintain close cooperation on issues of mutual interest.

Earlier, in a telephone conversation with his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, FM Dar underscored the importance of peace and stability, calling for immediate de-escalation and emphasising that dialogue and diplomacy remained the only viable path forward, the Foreign Office (FO) said on X.

He also expressed sorrow over the loss of lives, including three Pakistani nationals, in Iran’s attacks on the UAE and reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast solidarity with the country.

Both leaders exchanged Eid greetings and agreed to remain in close contact.

Earlier, Pakistan acknowledged that it was actively pursuing diplomatic avenues to help bring an end to the ongoing war in the Middle East, while cautioning against media speculation that could undermine sensitive efforts requiring discretion.

In an exclusive conversation with The Express Tribune, FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Islamabad remained firmly committed to resolving the conflict through dialogue and engagement, in line with its longstanding foreign policy principles.

“Pakistan, consistent with its longstanding policy, remains committed to the resolution of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East/Persian Gulf through diplomatic means and engagements,” Andrabi said.

However, he stressed that such efforts required confidentiality. “Diplomacy and negotiations often require that certain matters be advanced with discretion,” he noted, urging the media to refrain from speculation and await official announcements.