Dar says Pakistan’s dialogue efforts are being undermined as tensions in the Middle East escalate

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday accused Israel of trying to derail Islamabad’s efforts to facilitate ceasefire talks between the US and Iran by attacking Tehran when “both sides were in a sit-down phase”.

“We were very optimistic [about talks] before [Monday] night,” Dar told lawmakers in the Senate, adding that Iran and the United States had agreed on Pakistan’s facilitation, with both sides agreeing to the talks being held in Islamabad.

Pakistan, he further said, handed over the US’s 15-point conditions to Iran and also handed over Tehran’s five-point conditions to Washington.

He said Pakistan’s efforts to create space for dialogue had been undermined by recent developments, including Israeli attacks on Iran.

The foreign minister said Islamabad had remained actively engaged from the beginning of the crisis and had made a last-ditch effort to facilitate meaningful engagement between the parties.

“Pakistan has tried until the last moment to create space for a pause and meaningful engagement between the parties,” he said, lamenting that the situation had once again worsened.

Read: Army brass condemns Iran attack on Saudi facilities as ‘unnecessary escalation’ that undermines mediation efforts

FM Dar noted that the UN Secretary General had called him to appreciate Pakistan’s role and offered support to its peace efforts. However, he added that recent developments had derailed progress and heightened tensions.

He lamented the recent rise in regional tensions despite Pakistan’s proactive diplomatic efforts and attributed the escalation to Israeli attacks on Iran which, he said, had once again complicated the situation.

“A major Israeli attack on Iran and the subsequent attack on Jubail in Saudi Arabia has made the situation more dangerous and sensitive,” the deputy prime minister said, referring to recent developments that have seen attacks by Israel on Iran’s fuel facilities and by Iran on Saudi Arabia’s petrochemical infrastructure.

He warned that a protracted conflict could have serious consequences globally as well as for Pakistan, particularly in the form of rising oil prices and economic pressures. Despite this, he expressed hope that continued diplomatic efforts would eventually lead to a “dignified resolution of the conflict”.

Briefing lawmakers on earlier developments, FM Dar said he had been in Madina after attending an OIC meeting when the first attack on Iran took place. He said he had immediately asked the State Department to issue a strong condemnation and contacted the Iranian Foreign Minister to convey Pakistan’s support and solidarity.

Also read: Iran cancels talks with US, has informed Pakistan : NEWS

He said Pakistan had since maintained close contact with regional and global partners, including China, Japan, Britain and Canada, as well as several European states, to encourage restraint and prevent further escalation.

Describing Pakistan’s role, FM Dar said Pakistan had acted as a facilitator and mediator, proceeding with caution to avoid undermining sensitive diplomatic efforts.

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the Ministry of External Affairs remained fully engaged in the diplomatic process,” he added.

The foreign minister also referred to a meeting held by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh on March 19, attended by representatives of 12 countries, where Pakistan contributed to a balanced joint statement that included condemnation of Israel.

He further highlighted a quadrilateral meeting involving Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan aimed at promoting peace in the region. A follow-up meeting, originally planned in Istanbul, was later held in Islamabad on March 29, where the foreign ministers discussed ways to advance diplomatic efforts.

Dar said Pakistan had also engaged China at a high level, noting that during his March 31 visit, both sides discussed a five-point peace initiative for the region.

On domestic politics, he said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif remained open to dialogue with the opposition and would convey their message to the premier.

Talks with Bahrain, Norway FMs about the regional situation

Separately, Dar held telephone conversations with the foreign ministers of Bahrain and Norway.

In his call with the Bahraini Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, the two sides discussed the regional situation, ongoing discussions in the UN Security Council and the importance of maintaining peace and stability. They agreed to stay in touch

In a separate conversation with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, both leaders reviewed the latest developments in the Middle East. The Norwegian minister appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for dialogue and diplomacy and both sides agreed to keep in close contact.