Diplomatic turmoil as Dar engages with UAE, China and UK

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday intensified Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach over the evolving regional crisis, maintaining separate engagements with the United Arab Emirates, China and the United Kingdom as Islamabad pushed to reduce tensions and renew dialogue between Iran and the United States.

In a phone call with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Dar highlighted the urgent need for an immediate reduction in tensions in the region and reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy remained the only viable way forward, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The two ministers exchanged views on the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East and agreed to remain in close contact. Dar also expressed grief over the loss of lives, including three Pakistani nationals, in the Iranian attacks on the UAE, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Gulf State. Both sides also exchanged Eid greetings, underlining continued goodwill despite rising regional tensions.

Separately, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott visited the Deputy Prime Minister in Islamabad, where discussions focused on the broader regional situation and the urgent need for a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

Dar reiterated that diplomacy and dialogue were the only viable solutions to avoid further escalation, while emphasizing the importance of an early and peaceful resolution.

In a separate engagement, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong also met the vice premier, with discussions focusing on the developing regional and global situation. Dar again underlined the urgent need to reduce tensions in the Middle East through sustained diplomacy.

The Foreign Ministry said Pakistan was actively seeking diplomatic avenues to help end the ongoing conflict, while warning against speculation that could undermine sensitive back-channel efforts that require discretion.