Dar and Araghchi have a telephone conversation; Foreign ministers discuss regional situation, border issues
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar shakes hands with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi during a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad. Photo: AFP
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan on Saturday expressed its deep desire for peace and stability in Iran and the wider region, as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi, amid ongoing protests triggered by the rising cost of living in the neighboring country.
According to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dar and Araghchi discussed the current situation in Iran as well as broader regional developments. The Deputy Prime Minister expressed hope that calm and stability will reign, while the two sides agreed to continue close bilateral consultations on issues of mutual concern.
“Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. They discussed the current situation in Iran and the wider region. The DPM/FM expressed hope for peace and stability, and both sides agreed to continue bilateral consultations,” the Foreign Ministry said.
It was the second contact between the two foreign ministers since protests erupted in several Iranian cities on Dec. 28, largely driven by economic hardship faced by ordinary citizens amid rising inflation and high costs of living.
However, Iran has blamed foreign-backed elements for the unrest. The protests have attracted regional and international attention at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions involving Iran.
At one point, US President Donald Trump threatened to attack Iran, but apparently suspended the plan after reported opposition from Israel and several regional countries.
Pakistan has taken a cautious and measured approach to the developing situation, emphasizing respect for Iran’s sovereignty while emphasizing the importance of stability in a neighboring country with which Islamabad shares deep historical and cultural ties.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, in his weekly press briefing, outlined Pakistan’s official position in detail, emphasizing that Islamabad was closely monitoring developments in Iran.
“Pakistan is closely following developments related to the situation in Iran,” Andrabi said. “We attach great importance to Iran, both as a neighboring country and an important member of the international community and global brotherhood.”
Reaffirming Pakistan’s support for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, the spokesperson said Islamabad hoped that calm would return soon. “Pakistan hopes that peace and stability will prevail and reaffirms its support for all efforts aimed at a peaceful resolution of the situation.”
Describing Iran as a close and trustworthy neighbor, Andrabi said Pakistan wants to see a stable and prosperous Iran. “As a neighboring, friendly and brotherly country, Pakistan wishes to see a peaceful, stable and prosperous Iran,” he said.
Highlighting the deep-rooted relations between the two nations, the spokesperson said the people of Pakistan share “deep historical, cultural and religious ties” with the people of Iran. He also praised Iran’s resilience in the face of challenges. “Iran is a resilient nation that has demonstrated remarkable courage and determination over the years to overcome various challenges,” Andrabi noted.
Importantly, the Foreign Office has acknowledged the economic roots of the unrest. “We understand that the recent protests in Iran were triggered by the economic difficulties faced by ordinary citizens, which have been further exacerbated by international sanctions,” the spokesperson said.
Andrabi welcomed the measures announced by the Iranian government to provide relief to traders and the general public, expressing hope that these measures would alleviate the public’s difficulties.
“Pakistan sincerely hopes that the financial and livelihood support measures announced by the Iranian government for traders and the general public will help alleviate the difficulties faced by the people. We wish these efforts success,” he said.
He expressed confidence that Iran would overcome the current challenges, adding that stability in Iran was in Pakistan’s national interest. “Pakistan remains confident that the Iranian nation will overcome these challenges and emerge stronger. A stable and peaceful Iran, free from domestic unrest and political upheaval, is in Pakistan’s interest,” Andrabi said.
The spokesperson said Pakistan has full confidence in the Iranian leadership and people to overcome the crisis. “We have full confidence in the wisdom of the Iranian people and leaders, rooted in their rich culture, ancient civilization, history and resilience, to address all the challenges facing Iran,” he said.
Diplomatic observers say Dar’s action reflects Islamabad’s broader policy of sustained engagement with its neighbors and opposition to any external intervention that could further destabilize the region. As the situation in Iran continues to evolve, Pakistan should remain in close diplomatic contact with Tehran while constantly calling for restraint, dialogue and stability.
