Dar and Araghchi have a telephone conversation; Foreign Ministers discuss regional situation and border issues
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar shakes hands with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi during a meeting at the Ministry of External Affairs in Islamabad. Photo: AFP
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan on Saturday expressed its strong desire for peace and stability in Iran and the wider region as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi amid ongoing protests sparked by rising cost of living in the neighboring country.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dar and Araghchi discussed the current situation in Iran as well as broader regional developments. The deputy prime minister expressed hope that calm and stability would prevail, while both sides agreed to continue close bilateral consultations on issues of mutual interest.
“Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with Foreign Minister of Iran Seyed Abbas Araghchi. They discussed the current situation in Iran and the wider region. The DPM/FM expressed hope for peace and stability and both sides agreed to continue bilateral consultations,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.
This was the second contact between the two foreign ministers since protests broke out in several Iranian cities on December 28, driven largely by the economic difficulties faced by ordinary citizens amid rising inflation and high costs of living.
However, Iran blamed foreign-backed elements for the unrest. The demonstrations have attracted regional and international attention at a time of intense geopolitical tensions involving Iran.
At one point, US President Donald Trump threatened to attack Iran, but apparently suspended his plan after opposition from Israel and several countries in the region.
Pakistan has adopted a cautious and measured approach to the unfolding situation, underlining respect for Iran’s sovereignty while underscoring the importance of stability in a neighboring country with which Islamabad shares deep historical and cultural ties.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, during his weekly press conference, outlined Pakistan’s official position in detail, noting that Islamabad was closely monitoring developments in Iran.
“Pakistan is closely following developments related to the situation in Iran,” Andrabi said. “We attach great importance to Iran, as a neighboring country and as an important member of the international community and global brotherhood.”
Reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the peaceful resolution of the crisis, the spokesperson said Islamabad hoped that calm would be restored soon. “Pakistan hopes that peace and stability will prevail and reaffirms its support for all efforts aimed at a peaceful resolution of the situation.”
Describing Iran as a close and reliable neighbor, Andrabi said Pakistan wanted to see a stable and prosperous Iran. “As a neighbor, friend and brother country, Pakistan wishes to see a peaceful, stable and prosperous Iran,” he said.
Highlighting the deep-rooted relationship between the two nations, the spokesperson said the people of Pakistan share “deep historical, cultural and religious ties” with the people of Iran. He also praised Iran’s resilience in the face of challenges. “Iran is a resilient nation that has shown remarkable courage and determination over the years to overcome various challenges,” Andrabi noted.
Importantly, the Foreign Office recognized the economic roots of the unrest. “We understand that the recent protests in Iran were sparked by the economic hardships faced by ordinary citizens, which have been further exacerbated by international sanctions,” the spokesperson said.
Andrabi welcomed the measures announced by the Iranian government to provide relief to traders and the general public, and expressed hope that these measures would alleviate public difficulties.
“Pakistan sincerely hopes that the financial and livelihood support measures announced by the Iranian government for traders and the general public will help alleviate the hardships faced by the people. We extend our best wishes for the success of these efforts,” he said.
He expressed confidence that Iran will overcome the current challenges, adding that stability in Iran is in Pakistan’s own national interest. “Pakistan remains confident that the Iranian nation will overcome these challenges and emerge stronger. A stable and peaceful Iran, free of internal unrest or political turmoil, is in Pakistan’s interest,” Andrabi said.
The spokesperson said Pakistan had full confidence in the leadership and people of Iran to deal with the crisis. “We have full confidence in the wisdom of the Iranian people and leadership, rooted in their rich culture, ancient civilization, history and resilience, to address all the challenges facing Iran,” he said.
Diplomatic observers say Dar’s approach reflects Islamabad’s broader policy of sustained engagement with neighbors and opposition to any outside intervention that could further destabilize the region. As the situation in Iran continues to evolve, Pakistan is expected to maintain close diplomatic contact with Tehran while calling for restraint, dialogue and stability.
