Dar says Pakistan’s dialogue efforts undermined as Middle East tensions escalate

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday blamed Israel for trying to spoil Islamabad’s efforts to facilitate ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran by attacking Tehran when “both sides were in a stage to sit down”.

“We were very optimistic [about talks] before [Monday] night,” Dar told lawmakers in the Senate, adding that Iran and the US had agreed on Pakistan’s facilitation, with both sides accepting talks to be held in Islamabad.

Pakistan, he further said, handed the US’s 15-point conditions to Iran and also handed Tehran’s five-point conditions to Washington.

He said Pakistan’s efforts to create space for dialogue had been undermined by fresh developments, including Israeli strikes on Iran.

The foreign minister said Islamabad had remained actively engaged from the outset of the crisis and had made last-ditch efforts to facilitate meaningful engagement between the parties.

“Pakistan has tried until the last moment to create space for a pause and meaningful engagement between the parties,” he said, regretting that the situation had once again deteriorated.

Read: Army brass condemns Iran attacks on Saudi facilities as ‘unnecessary escalation’ spoiling mediation efforts

FM Dar noted that the United Nations secretary-general had telephoned him to appreciate Pakistan’s role and offered support for its peace efforts. However, he added that recent developments had derailed progress and intensified tensions.

Lamenting the recent rise in regional tensions despite Pakistan’s proactive diplomatic efforts, he attributed the escalation to Israeli strikes on Iran, which, he said, had once again complicated the situation.

“A major Israeli attack on Iran and the subsequent strike on Jubail in Saudi Arabia have made the situation more dangerous and sensitive,” the deputy prime minister said, referring to the latest developments, which have seen attacks by Israel on Iran’s fuel facilities and by Iran on Saudi Arabia’s petrochemical infrastructure.

He warned that a prolonged conflict could have serious consequences globally as well as for Pakistan, particularly in terms of rising oil prices and economic pressures. Despite this, he expressed hope that continued diplomatic efforts would eventually lead to a “dignified resolution of the conflict”.

Briefing lawmakers on earlier developments, FM Dar said he had been in Madina after attending an OIC meeting when the first attack on Iran took place. He said he had immediately directed the Foreign Office to issue a strong condemnation and contacted the Iranian foreign minister to convey Pakistan’s support and solidarity.

Also Read: Iran calls off talks with US, has informed Pakistan: NYT

He said Pakistan had since maintained close contact with regional and global partners, including China, Japan, the United Kingdom and Canada, as well as several European states, to encourage restraint and prevent further escalation.

Describing Pakistan’s role, FM Dar said Pakistan had acted as a facilitator and mediator, proceeding with caution to avoid undermining sensitive diplomatic efforts.

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the Foreign Office remained fully engaged in the diplomatic process,” he added.

The foreign minister also referred to a meeting hosted by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh on March 19, attended by representatives of 12 countries, where Pakistan contributed to a balanced joint statement that included condemnation of Israel.

He further highlighted a quadrilateral meeting involving Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Türkiye and Pakistan, aimed at promoting peace in the region. A follow-up meeting, initially planned in Istanbul, was later held in Islamabad on March 29, where foreign ministers discussed ways to advance diplomatic efforts.

Dar said Pakistan had also engaged China at a high level, noting that during his visit on March 31, both sides discussed a five-point peace initiative for the region.

On domestic politics, he said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif remained open to dialogue with the opposition and that he would convey their message to the premier.

Talks with Bahrain, Norway FMs on regional situation

Separately, Dar held telephone conversations with the foreign ministers of Bahrain and Norway.

In his call with Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, the two sides discussed the regional situation, ongoing deliberations at the United Nations Security Council and the importance of maintaining peace and stability. They agreed to remain in contact

In a separate conversation with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, both leaders reviewed recent developments in the Middle East. The Norwegian minister appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for dialogue and diplomacy, and both sides agreed to stay in close touch.