Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi attend the consultative ministerial meeting in Riyadh. Photo: AFP
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday intensified Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in the face of the evolving regional crisis, holding separate engagements with the United Arab Emirates, China and the United Kingdom as Islamabad pushed for de-escalation and resumption of dialogue between Iran and the United States.
In a phone call with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Dar stressed the urgent need for immediate de-escalation in the region, reiterating that dialogue and diplomacy remained the only viable path, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The two ministers exchanged views on the rapidly developing situation in the Middle East and agreed to remain in close contact. Dar also expressed sadness over the loss of lives, including three Pakistani nationals, in Iranian attacks on the UAE, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Gulf state. The two sides also exchanged Eid greetings, emphasizing their goodwill despite heightened regional tensions.
Separately, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott met the Deputy Prime Minister in Islamabad, where discussions focused on the broader regional situation and the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
Dar reiterated that diplomacy and dialogue were the only viable solutions to prevent further escalation, while emphasizing the importance of a speedy and peaceful resolution.
In another engagement, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong also met with the Vice Prime Minister, with discussions focused on regional and global developments. Dar once again highlighted the urgent need for de-escalation in the Middle East through sustained diplomacy.
The Foreign Ministry said Pakistan was actively pursuing diplomatic channels to help end the ongoing conflict, while warning against speculation that could undermine sensitive efforts requiring discretion.
