Islamabad:
After an almost weekly visit to the United States, Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir arrived on Saturday to Istanbul in what seems part of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to seek an end to the ongoing Iran-Israel war.
His meeting in the White House with US President Donald Trump discussed the Middle East -crisis detailed, and the army chief allegedly communicated Pakistan’s concerns about the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.
The army chief, in line with Pakistan’s declared attitude, pressed for a diplomatic solution to the conflict that has the potential to seek out the entire region. After over two -hour meeting with the Pakistani army chief, President Trump said Pakistan knew better about Iran than most others.
He also said that Pakistan was not fond of “anything.” Although the US president did not elaborate, Pakistan’s misfortune stems from the fact that the Iran-Israel war has enormous consequences for the country.
It is believed that Trump was listening to the Pakistani military leader’s opinion on the Iran-Israel war carefully, and some even linked the US president’s decision to delay his decision to join Israel against Iran for two weeks to his meeting with Field Marshal Munir.
The Army Chief’s arrival in Istanbul gives faith to reports that Pakistan may be playing a certain role in abusing the crisis. Interestingly, the Iranian Foreign Minister is also in Istanbul as part of the ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the Israel-Iran war.
There is no clarity as to whether the army chief will have any meeting planned with the Iranian Foreign Minister. But observers believe that such a meeting is not excluded considering Pakistan’s desire to seek an end to the conflict.
Pakistan has emerged as one of the most important players as it enjoys close ties with Iran while developing a close bonhomie with President Trump. Experts say Pakistan is uniquely positioned to play a role as a broker between the United States and Iran.
However, others say the United States has a direct communication channel with Iran through President Trump’s special envoy in the Middle East. Pakistan can nevertheless be part of the several diplomatic channels seeking a political solution to the crisis.
Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Foreign Office, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, told the President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in Istanbul during his visit to attend the 51st session of OIC CFM. He was accompanied by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
During the meeting, DPM/FM, warm greetings from Prime Minister, Shahbaz Sharif, conveyed to President Recep Tayyip Erdo? And emphasized the deep meaning that Pakistan in accordance with its sustained bilateral relations with Türkiye.
Both leaders confirmed their obligation to further elaborate and diversify the long -standing brotherly cooperation between the two countries.
The leaders expressed strong condemnation of the continued Israeli attacks in obvious violation of basic principles in international law; Repeated support for Iran’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and its right to self-defense during the UN-Charter; agreed to continue diplomatic efforts to step down the situation; And urged the international community to play its role in restoring peace and stability in the region.
Both sides emphasized it urgently to galvanize the efforts to bring an immediate stop to Israeli aggression in Gaza and unobstructed delivery of humanitarian assistance to the besieged people in Gaza.
DPM/FM congratulated President Erdogan with the award awarded by the Islamic Cooperation Forum in recognition of his management as well as a successful possession of the OIC CFM session.
