Dar says Pakistan’s dialogue efforts undermined as Middle East tensions rise

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday expressed concern over the recent escalation in the Middle East and said Pakistan’s efforts to create space for dialogue had been undermined by new developments, including Israeli strikes on Iran.

Briefing the Senate about Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach, the foreign minister said Islamabad had remained actively engaged since the beginning of the crisis and had made desperate efforts to facilitate meaningful engagement between the parties.

“Pakistan has tried until the last moment to create space for a pause and meaningful engagement between the parties,” he said, regretting that the situation had deteriorated once again.

Read: Senior military commanders condemn Iran’s attacks on Saudi facilities as an “unnecessary escalation” that derails mediation efforts.

Foreign Minister Dar noted that the United Nations Secretary General had called him on the phone to appreciate Pakistan’s role and offer support to its peace efforts. However, he added that recent events had derailed progress and intensified tensions.

Lamenting the recent rise in regional tensions despite Pakistan’s proactive diplomatic efforts, he attributed the escalation to Israeli strikes on Iran, which he said had once again complicated the situation.

“A major Israeli attack on Iran and the subsequent attack on Jubail in Saudi Arabia have made the situation more dangerous and sensitive,” the deputy prime minister said, referring to the latest developments, which have seen attacks by Israel on Iran’s fuel facilities and by Iran on Saudi Arabia’s petrochemical infrastructure.

He warned that a prolonged conflict could have serious consequences globally and also for Pakistan, particularly in terms of rising oil prices and economic pressures. Despite this, he expressed hope that continued diplomatic efforts would eventually lead to a “dignified resolution to the conflict.”

Briefing the lawmakers about the above developments, Foreign Minister Dar said he had been in Medina after attending an OIC meeting when the first attack on Iran took place. He said he had immediately ordered the Foreign Ministry to issue strong condemnation and had contacted the Iranian Foreign Minister to convey Pakistan’s support and solidarity.

Read also: Iran cancels talks with US, informed Pakistan: NYT

He said Pakistan had since maintained close contact with regional and global partners, including China, Japan, the United Kingdom and Canada, as well as several European states, to encourage restraint and prevent further escalation.

Outlining Pakistan’s role, Foreign Minister Dar said Pakistan had acted as a facilitator and mediator, proceeding cautiously to avoid undermining sensitive diplomatic efforts.

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the Ministry of External Affairs remained fully committed to the diplomatic process,” he added.

The Foreign Minister also referred to a meeting organized by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh on March 19, attended by representatives of 12 countries, where Pakistan contributed to a balanced joint statement that included condemnation of Israel.

He also highlighted a quadrilateral meeting in which Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Türkiye and Pakistan participated, aimed at promoting peace in the region. A follow-up meeting, initially scheduled in Istanbul, was subsequently held in Islamabad on March 29, where foreign ministers discussed ways to advance diplomatic efforts.

Dar said Pakistan had also interacted with China at a high level, noting that during his visit on March 31, both sides discussed a five-point peace initiative for the region.

On domestic politics, he said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif remained open to dialogue with the opposition and would convey his message to the prime minister.

Conversations with the foreign ministers of Bahrain and Norway on the regional situation

Furthermore, Dar held telephone conversations with the foreign ministers of Bahrain and Norway.

In his call with Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, the two sides discussed the regional situation, the ongoing deliberations in the United Nations Security Council and the importance of maintaining peace and stability. They agreed to stay in touch.

In a separate conversation with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, both leaders reviewed recent developments in the Middle East. The Norwegian minister appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in dialogue and diplomacy and both sides agreed to stay in close touch.