Tarar says because of longstanding ties with the Gulf countries, Pakistan is always ready to help when needed
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar addresses a press conference in Islamabad on Friday. — SCREEN GRAB
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Wednesday that Pakistan is ready to play a central role in mediating regional tensions following the attack on Iran by the US and Israel.
“Pakistan is engaged in discussions with various partners and we have always aimed to maintain balance in relations. I think we are in a position to play a mediating role with the countries of 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 prevent further instability in the region. He emphasized that because of these long-standing ties, Pakistan is always ready to help when needed.
Read more: Pakistan is making full diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East
The current Middle East conflict erupted on February 28 when US and Israeli forces launched coordinated attacks on Iran. The attacks quickly escalated, with Iran retaliating with drone and missile strikes targeting US assets and allied interests across the Gulf.
Pakistan has maintained a cautious but supportive stance, calling for restraint and dialogue while avoiding direct involvement. Islamabad has expressed solidarity with Iran and highlighted historical, cultural and economic ties.
Officials have engaged in diplomatic efforts, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who also serves as foreign minister, holding regular calls with relevant regional leaders to urge de-escalation.
Last week, Dar also held telephone conversations with his counterparts from several Gulf states and other countries, where he stressed the importance of de-escalation and stressed the need to pursue dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter.
