ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan on Sunday intensified its diplomatic engagement with key regional and international players as fresh exchange of fire between Iran and the United States threatened to shatter the fragile ceasefire and jeopardize the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a series of telephone conversations over the past 48 hours with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Iran, in addition to speaking separately with British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper and the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
The flurry of diplomatic contacts came as new military exchanges between the United States and Iran cast a shadow over the memorandum of understanding the two sides signed on June 18, pledging to end hostilities on all fronts.
The latest escalation follows US allegations that Iran was behind attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington responded with strikes on Iranian military targets, provoking retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Tehran against US facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait.
The resumption of hostilities has once again jeopardized the future of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
Diplomatic sources said Pakistan was in close contact with all stakeholders to prevent the situation from escalating into a wider regional conflict.
During his conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Dar conveyed Pakistan’s condolences over the helicopter crash in Saudi Arabia that claimed the lives of 14 people. He expressed sympathy on behalf of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the people of Pakistan.
Prince Faisal thanked Pakistan for this fraternal gesture.
The two leaders also discussed the developing regional situation and expressed concern over the latest escalation, with Dar reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to continue working for peace under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Prince Faisal also expressed his intention to visit Pakistan as soon as possible.
During her conversation with EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas, Dar briefed her on Pakistan’s continued diplomatic efforts aimed at developing a comprehensive framework for peace and stability in the Middle East.
Kallas appreciated Pakistan’s role in facilitating the signing of the Islamabad MoU, but expressed deep concern over recent ceasefire violations and stressed the importance of keeping communication channels open.
Both sides agreed to remain in close contact.
Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani congratulated Pakistan on signing the Islamabad MoU and praised Islamabad’s constructive role in facilitating understanding between Washington and Tehran.
Al Zayani expressed hope that the agreement would contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region and said he would soon visit Pakistan to personally thank Pakistani leaders for their efforts.
Dar also spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to playing a constructive role in achieving lasting peace and stability in the region and beyond.
Araghchi appreciated Pakistan’s continued support in moving the peace process forward and thanked Islamabad for facilitating the safe repatriation of Iranian crew members and fishermen.
Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reiterated London’s appreciation for Pakistan’s sustained efforts towards peace and stability in the region, which culminated in the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
Diplomatic sources said Pakistan was particularly concerned that the latest military exchanges could derail efforts to turn the ceasefire into a broader political settlement.
Major differences remain between Washington and Tehran on several contentious issues, including the future security architecture of the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief and the interpretation of key clauses of the memorandum of understanding.
The renewed tensions have also raised concerns in Islamabad that instability in the Gulf could negatively impact global energy markets and maritime trade routes, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining one of the world’s most critical chokepoints for oil transit.
Pakistani officials said Islamabad would continue to engage regional and international actors in an effort to preserve the ceasefire and prevent the latest military exchanges from escalating into a broader regional conflict.
