Dar receives calls from EU, Qatar and regional counterparts as Pakistan leads US-Iran truce

Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong on Wednesday appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting peace and security in the Middle East and the Gulf region, during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on X, Ambassador Zaidong expressed China’s deep gratitude for Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and security in the Middle East and the Gulf region.

The statement further noted that FM Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s sustained commitment to promoting dialogue and diplomacy as essential tools for achieving lasting peace and stability in the Middle East and West Asia.

“Both sides expressed hope that ongoing efforts would result in lasting peace and security in the region, for the benefit of all parties,” the statement said.

Earlier, FM Dar discussed the developing regional situation and called for a lasting peace process during a series of telephone conversations with his regional counterparts and European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

According to MOFA, in a telephone conversation with Kallas, FM Dar discussed the latest regional developments.

Dar highlighted Pakistan’s sustained efforts to promote dialogue and diplomacy for lasting peace, while Kallas praised Islamabad’s role in creating space for diplomacy, including facilitating the initial ceasefire between the United States and Iran, and expressed the European Union’s (EU) full support for Pakistan’s ongoing peace initiatives.

FM Dar held a telephonic conversation with Qatar Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi as part of Pakistan’s intensification of diplomatic relations amid rapidly changing regional developments.

“During the call, Dar highlighted Islamabad’s sustained efforts to promote dialogue and diplomacy for peace and stability, while the Qatari minister appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role,” he added.

FM Dar also had a telephone conversation with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, during which both discussed the latest developments in the region.

“Dar highlighted Pakistan’s continued determination to promote dialogue and diplomatic engagement, sharing the latest developments in Pakistan’s efforts to foster peace and stability in the region,” he added.

Dar also met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and exchanged views on the developing regional situation.

“FM Dar highlighted the latest developments in Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to promote dialogue and diplomatic engagement towards peace and stability in the region,” the statement said.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, the two leaders discussed the regional situation and developments in the Middle East and the wider region.

“FM Dar shared the latest developments in Pakistan’s continued efforts to promote dialogue and diplomatic engagement for peace and stability in the region,” he said.

Ceasefire breakthrough

Last night, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the United States and Iran, along with their allies, had agreed to an immediate two-week ceasefire under a framework facilitated by Pakistan.

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The announcement follows a radical change by US President Donald Trump, who agreed to the pause shortly before a deadline linked to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran, represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, has indicated its willingness to end counterattacks and ensure safe passage through the strategic waterway, subject to the cessation of hostilities.

This agreement, described as the framework for the “Islamabad talks”, was the result of sustained backdoor diplomacy led by Pakistan, which facilitated trade between Washington and Tehran and helped iron out key differences.