ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan on Sunday stepped up its diplomatic engagement with key regional and international players as fresh exchanges of fire between Iran and the United States threatened to unravel the fragile ceasefire and jeopardize the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary Ishaq Dar held a series of phone calls over the past 48 hours with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Iran, in addition to speaking separately with British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
The flurry of diplomatic contacts came as new military exchanges between the US and Iran cast a shadow over the MoU that both sides signed on June 18, pledging to end hostilities on all fronts.
The latest escalation followed US allegations that Iran was behind attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington responded with attacks on Iranian military targets, leading to retaliatory missile and drone strikes by Tehran against US facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait.
The renewed hostilities have once again jeopardized the future of the Islamabad MoU.
Diplomatic sources said Pakistan was in close contact with all stakeholders in a bid to prevent the situation from escalating into a wider regional conflict.
During his conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Dar conveyed Pakistan’s condolences over the helicopter crash in Saudi Arabia that claimed 14 lives. He expressed sympathy on behalf of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the people of Pakistan.
Prince Faisal thanked Pakistan for the brotherly gesture.
The two leaders also discussed the evolving regional situation and expressed concern over the latest escalation, with Dar reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to continue working for peace under the Islamabad MoU. Prince Faisal also conveyed his intention to visit Pakistan at the earliest mutually convenient date.
In his conversation with the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, Dar briefed her on Pakistan’s continued diplomatic efforts aimed at developing a comprehensive framework for peace and stability in the Middle East.
Kallas appreciated Pakistan’s role in facilitating the signing of the Islamabad MoU, but expressed serious concern over the recent ceasefire violations and stressed the importance of keeping communication channels open.
The two sides agreed to remain in close contact.
Bahrain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, congratulated Pakistan on the signing of the Islamabad MoU and praised Islamabad’s constructive role in facilitating understanding between Washington and Tehran.
Al Zayani expressed hope that the agreement would contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region and said he would visit Pakistan soon to personally thank the Pakistani leadership for its efforts.
Dar also spoke to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to play a constructive role in achieving lasting peace and stability in the region and beyond.
Araghchi appreciated Pakistan’s continued support in advancing the peace process and thanked Islamabad for facilitating the safe repatriation of Iranian crew members and fishermen.
Separately, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reiterated London’s appreciation of Pakistan’s sustained efforts for peace and stability in the region, culminating in the signing of the Islamabad MoU.
Diplomatic sources said Pakistan was particularly concerned that recent military exchanges could derail efforts to turn the ceasefire into a broader political settlement.
There are still major differences between Washington and Tehran on several contentious issues, including the future security architecture of the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions and the interpretation of key clauses in the MoU.
The renewed tensions have also raised fears in Islamabad that instability in the Gulf could negatively impact global energy markets and maritime trade routes, where the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints.
Pakistani officials said Islamabad would continue to engage both regional and international actors in an effort to preserve the ceasefire and prevent recent military exchanges from escalating into a wider regional conflict.
