FM to reaffirm support for regional sovereignty and urge dialogue as Iran-Israel tensions escalate
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrives in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. — FOREIGN OFFICE
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday to attend a meeting of foreign ministers from regional Arab and Islamic countries as Pakistan continues diplomatic efforts to tone down the conflict in the Middle East.
FM Dar was received upon arrival by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq, along with representatives of the Saudi Foreign Ministry.
Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, arrived in Riyadh to participate in the Consultative Ministerial Meeting of Foreign Ministers from Arab and Islamic countries, hosted by the Saudi Arabia.
He was received upon arrival by Pakistan’s… pic.twitter.com/L6BwNJiMbr
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 18, 2026
The Foreign Office said FM Dar would use the meeting to reiterate Pakistan’s diplomatic position amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
“During the meeting, the DPM/FM will express complete support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence of all brotherly countries in the region, and call for an end to all attacks on their territory,” the statement said.
It added that he would reaffirm Pakistan’s call for an immediate end to the ongoing conflict and stress the need to resume dialogue and diplomacy.
He is also expected to highlight Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives and its commitment to playing a constructive role in addressing the region’s growing security challenges.
The visit comes as the United States and Israel’s war against Iran intensifies, deepening instability across the Middle East. Iranian state television reported today that Iran targeted Tel Aviv with missiles carrying cluster warheads, describing the attack as retaliation for Israel’s assassination of Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani.
Earlier, on March 12, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif travelled to Riyadh for detailed discussions on the regional situation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Read: Govt intensifies efforts to assist nationals as Middle East crisis deepens
Amid rising tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, Pakistan has reiterated its strong strategic commitment to Saudi Arabia while urging restraint to avoid a broader regional conflict.
Prime Minister’s spokesperson for foreign media Mosharraf Zaidi previously underscored the depth of ties between Islamabad and Riyadh, saying Pakistan would stand by Saudi Arabia if required.
“The question is not whether Pakistan might come to Saudi Arabia’s aid… we will. No matter what, no matter when,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s immediate focus remains on preventing further escalation and ensuring regional partners are not drawn deeper into the conflict.
Iran has responded to the US-Israeli strikes with waves of drone and missile attacks not only toward Israel but also against Gulf states hosting US military installations, including Saudi Arabia, widening the conflict’s regional impact.
The escalation has struck key infrastructure across Gulf countries, including airports, ports, hotels, and oil and military facilities. Disruptions to oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a route carrying roughly one-fifth of the world’s petroleum and liquefied natural gas, have intensified economic concerns.
Airspace closures across the region have also forced airlines to cancel around 40,000 flights, marking the largest disruption to global air travel since the COVID-19 pandemic.
