ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to visit Washington next week to attend the inaugural Peace Council summit, sources told The Express PK Press Club, as Pakistan intensified diplomatic ties on Wednesday with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar holding separate telephone conversations with his Turkish and Iranian counterparts amid evolving regional developments.
Although no official announcement regarding the Prime Minister’s visit has been made yet, well-placed sources have confirmed that it has been decided at the highest level that he will represent Pakistan at the summit scheduled to take place in Washington on February 19. The high-level meeting, chaired by US President Donald Trump, will focus on conflict resolution efforts and post-war stabilization initiatives, including in Gaza.
The sources further revealed that there is also a possibility of a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Trump at the White House on the sidelines of the summit.
Although no official confirmation has been released regarding this potential engagement, diplomatic channels are reportedly working on the schedule.
Pakistan’s participation in the Peace Council summit reflects Islamabad’s cautious but proactive diplomatic posture as it faces shifting geopolitical alignments. Officials say the country intends to use the platform to reiterate its principled position on key international issues, including its long-standing support for Palestinian self-determination, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a lasting political solution based on international law.
Besides the Gaza peace plan, the Prime Minister is likely to discuss tensions between Iran and the United States with President Trump, with Pakistan being one of the regional countries actively engaged with relevant stakeholders to ease tensions between Washington and Iran.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with his Iranian and Turkish counterparts on Wednesday as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the region.
According to statements released by the Foreign Ministry, Dar held talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, with the two leaders exchanging views on regional and international developments and discussing issues of mutual interest. Both sides agreed to remain in close coordination.
In another phone call, Dar also spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The two leaders discussed regional developments and stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to address emerging challenges. They agreed to continue their close engagement and coordination.
The opening in Tehran comes amid increased volatility across the Middle East.
Pakistan has repeatedly stressed the need for restraint, de-escalation and diplomatic solutions to avoid further instability in the region.
The sources suggest that Pakistan’s current wave of engagements, extending to Washington, Ankara and Tehran, demonstrate a calibrated strategy aimed at strengthening its voice in ongoing global and regional conversations.
By participating in the Peace Council summit while simultaneously consulting with key regional partners, Islamabad appears to be positioning itself as an active but cautious player in evolving diplomatic frameworks.
