He says negotiations and diplomacy are the only way forward and Pakistan wants all parties to prioritize talks
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar addresses a press conference in Islamabad on Friday to review Pakistan’s diplomatic performance in 2025.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Monday that Pakistan was closely monitoring the regional situation following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and was working to reduce tensions through diplomatic efforts.
Addressing ambassadors of several countries, FM Dar said Pakistan was engaging regional partners in what he described as a “fragile and sensitive situation”.
He said Pakistan was closely monitoring developments in Iran and all efforts were focused on easing tensions, calling the situation “extremely delicate.”
Dar said negotiations and diplomacy were the only way forward and Pakistan wanted all parties to prioritize talks.
“Pakistan regrets the attacks on Gulf countries; however, Iran’s attacks were carried out in self-defense,” he said.
He also confirmed that a Pakistani national had been killed in an attack in the United Arab Emirates.
Addressing the Middle East, Dar said Pakistan had played an effective role in efforts to promote peace, particularly in Gaza, and called for humanitarian aid for the people of the enclave.
“Pakistan has played an effective role in establishing peace in the Middle East, especially in Gaza,” he said.
He said Pakistan participated in the inaugural meeting of the Gaza Peace Council and would continue to support diplomatic initiatives aimed at regional stability.
Dar acknowledged that Pakistan was going through a difficult diplomatic phase, adding that the government was in touch with neighboring and Gulf states.
He added that he had sought to take friendly countries into confidence regarding the evolving situation in Afghanistan and broader regional security concerns.
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More to follow.
