Calls for upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter, including respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Sunday that the foreign ministers of Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt have expressed full support for dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable path toward an “early and permanent end” to the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran.
At a press conference on the quadrilateral meeting of foreign ministers, Dar described the meeting as a “very detailed and in-depth discussion” on the current situation in the Middle East.
He said the foreign ministers emphasized dialogue and diplomacy as the only way to prevent conflicts and promote regional peace and harmony. “We call for respect for the principles of the UN Charter, including respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all,” he added.
The ministers also expressed concern about the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict on lives and livelihoods across the region. “We agreed that this war benefits no one and would only lead to death and destruction,” Dar said.
He briefed visiting foreign ministers on the prospects for possible US-Iran talks in Islamabad. “The visiting ministers expressed their full support for this initiative and reaffirmed unity to contain the situation, reduce the risk of military escalation and create conditions for structured negotiations between the relevant parties,” he said.
Dar further noted that the ministers discussed ways to strengthen mutual cooperation between the brotherly countries.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan has maintained regular contacts with regional and international partners. “We have continued to actively participate in all efforts aimed at ending this conflict,” he said.
Dar called Pakistan-US relations “very important” and said Islamabad has been in active dialogue with US leaders to help de-escalate the situation and find a peaceful solution.
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“In this context, Pakistan is pleased that both Iran and the United States have expressed confidence in Pakistan’s ability to facilitate the talks. Pakistan will be honored to host meaningful negotiations between the two sides in the coming days for a comprehensive and lasting solution to the conflict,” he added.
He further said that he had also held several telephone conversations with his counterparts across the world, all of whom expressed full support and confidence in Pakistan’s efforts. “There is great appreciation and support among all our partners for Pakistan’s initiatives. We will continue our efforts with sincerity and commitment,” he said.
Dar highlighted a detailed telephone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who fully supports Pakistan’s initiative to host US-Iran talks, as well as a conversation with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who also expressed support for the peace initiative.
The foreign minister highlighted the importance of Muslim unity during these difficult times. “The unity of the Muslim community in these circumstances is of utmost importance,” he said.
In his concluding remarks, Dar asked the international community for prayers and support to ensure the success of Pakistan’s efforts to achieve peace and put a permanent end to the war.
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According ReutersDuring the talks, initial discussions focused on proposals to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, sources familiar with the matter said.
The foreign ministers of the three regional powers landed in Islamabad for talks as Iran warned the United States against launching a ground attack and global oil prices rose amid continuing fighting between Iran, the United States and Israel.
The countries meeting in Pakistan have presented proposals to Washington linked to maritime traffic and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, five sources familiar with the matter said. Reutersas part of broader efforts to stabilize maritime flows.
The Strait of Hormuz was previously a conduit for about a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, but Iran has effectively stopped shipping flows through it in response to US and Israeli airstrikes that began a month ago.
Proposals on the reopening of Hormuz
Pakistan, which like Turkiye borders Iran, has leveraged its close ties with both Tehran and Washington to emerge as a key diplomatic conduit in the conflict, while Ankara and Cairo have also played a role.
A Pakistani source said the proposals, including Egypt’s, had been sent to the White House by the countries before Sunday’s meeting and included Suez Canal-style tariff structures.
Two other Pakistani sources said Turkiye: Egypt and Saudi Arabia could form a consortium to manage oil flows through the waterway, and had asked Pakistan to participate. The first Pakistani source said Islamabad had not been formally asked to join and maintains it will not do so.
The proposal for a management consortium had been discussed with the United States and Iran, the sources said.
A Turkish diplomatic source said Ankara’s priority was to achieve a ceasefire. “Ensuring the safe passage of ships could serve as an important confidence-building measure in this regard,” the person said, requesting anonymity.
