Tarar says that due to long-standing ties with the Gulf countries, Pakistan is always ready to help whenever needed.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar holds a press conference in Islamabad on Friday. —SCREEN CAPTURE
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Wednesday said Pakistan is ready to play a key role in mediating regional tensions following the attack on Iran by the United States and Israel.
“Pakistan is in talks with various partners and we have always tried to maintain balance in relations. I think we are in a position to play a mediation role with countries in the region,” he said during an interview with Al Jazeera.
The Information Minister expressed Pakistan’s “desire to participate in de-escalating the situation” in Iran and to avoid further instability in the region. He stressed that due to these long-standing ties, Pakistan is always ready to help whenever required.
Read more: Pakistan makes all its diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East
The current conflict in the Middle East erupted on February 28 when US and Israeli forces launched coordinated attacks against Iran. The attacks escalated rapidly, and Iran retaliated with drone and missile strikes against US assets and allied interests throughout the Gulf.
Pakistan has maintained a cautious but supportive stance, calling for moderation and dialogue while avoiding direct involvement. Islamabad has expressed solidarity with Iran, highlighting historical, cultural and economic ties.
Officials have engaged in diplomatic efforts, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who also serves as Foreign Minister, have held regular calls with relevant regional leaders to urge a reduction in tension.
Last week, Dar also held telephone conversations with his counterparts from several Gulf states and other countries, highlighting the importance of reducing tensions and emphasizing the need to pursue dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter.
