Pakistan recognizes its role in de-escalation efforts

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan acknowledged that it is actively seeking diplomatic avenues to help end the ongoing war in the Middle East, while warning against media speculation that could undermine sensitive efforts that require discretion.

In exclusive conversation with The express PAkGazette On Tuesday, Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Islamabad remains firmly committed to resolving the conflict through dialogue and compromise, in line with its long-standing foreign policy principles.

“Pakistan, in line with its long-standing policy, remains committed to resolving the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf through diplomatic means and engagements,” Andrabi said.

However, he stressed that such efforts require confidentiality. “Diplomacy and negotiations often require that certain matters be advanced discreetly,” he said, urging the media to refrain from speculation and wait for official announcements.

Read: Pakistan presents itself as the main peace mediator

Pakistan’s cautious public stance comes as it quietly emerges as a key player seeking to end the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran. According to American media reports and officials familiar with the developments, Islamabad is being positioned as a potential location for negotiations between Tehran and Washington.

The diplomatic opening came after US President Donald Trump announced a temporary cessation of hostilities, citing what he described as “constructive engagement” with Iran. Immediately after, reports suggested that Pakistan, Turkiye and Egypt intensified their efforts to facilitate indirect messages between the two adversaries.

According axiosIslamabad is being considered for possible talks involving a US delegation that could include special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, along with senior Iranian leaders, potentially including the parliamentary speaker. Tehran, however, has publicly rejected any suggestion of direct or indirect negotiations with Washington.

However, diplomatic activity over the past 24 hours indicates a flurry of behind-the-scenes engagement, suggesting otherwise.

Pakistan’s civil and military leaders continued to actively engage with key stakeholders. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, reaffirming solidarity with Iran and urging moderation and dialogue.

Read more: Trump postpones threat to bomb Iran’s power grid as Pakistan, Turkiye and Egypt mediate to end conflict

According to an official statement, the prime minister extended Eidul Fitr and Nowruz greetings to the Iranian leadership and people, while expressing his condolences for the loss of lives in the ongoing conflict. He warned of the “dangerous” trajectory of hostilities in the Gulf and stressed the urgent need for collective efforts to reduce tensions through diplomacy.

Importantly, he highlighted the need for unity within the Muslim world and said that cohesion in the Ummah was “more critical than ever” amid the unfolding crisis.

Sharing details about Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach, Prime Minister Shehbaz assured Tehran that Islamabad would continue to play a constructive role in facilitating peace and stability.

Meanwhile, the country’s military leaders also held talks with Washington. A report in Financial times said that Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir held a telephone conversation with President Trump to discuss the evolving situation.

Diplomatic sources said the contacts reflected Pakistan’s attempt to leverage its unique ties with both Tehran and Washington to create space for dialogue.

At the same time, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Foreign Minister (FM) Ishaq Dar led intense diplomatic activity, speaking separately with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi and Turkiye Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. In both talks, Dar emphasized dialogue and diplomacy to ensure peace and stability, and all sides agreed to remain in close contact.

Also read: JI chief urges Pakistan to back Iran-US talks, warns against ‘Trump deception’

These parallel engagements, also involving Turkiye and Egypt, point to a coordinated but still nascent mediation effort, focused largely on secondary messages rather than a formal negotiation process.

While there has been no official confirmation from Islamabad about holding talks, sources did not rule out the possibility, suggesting that Pakistan is willing to provide a neutral venue if necessary.

Analysts warn, however, that despite the diplomatic turmoil, the prospects for a breakthrough remain uncertain given the deep mistrust between Washington and Tehran and the rapidly evolving dynamics of the battlefield.

Still, Pakistan’s proactive diplomacy underscores its attempt to position itself as a bridge, maintaining solidarity with Iran as a neighbor while preserving strategic ties with the United States and key Gulf partners.

Since the war began, Pakistan has been walking a tight diplomatic rope, trying to avoid becoming directly involved in the conflict despite its mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia. That balancing act, officials say, is precisely why Islamabad is pushing for dialogue and diplomacy.

Sources added that if Pakistan’s efforts are successful, it could amount to a major diplomatic coup.