Police officers stand guard at the main entrance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on January 18, 2024. Photo: File
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan acknowledged it is actively pursuing 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 an exclusive conversation with Express Pakinomist on Tuesday, Foreign Ministry (FO) spokesman Tahir Andrabi said Islamabad remains firmly committed to resolving the conflict through dialogue and engagement in line with its long-standing foreign policy principles.
“Pakistan, in line with its longstanding policy, remains committed to resolving the ongoing conflict in the Middle East/Persian Gulf through diplomatic means and engagements,” Andrabi said.
However, he emphasized that such efforts require confidentiality. “Diplomacy and negotiations often require certain matters to be advanced with discretion,” he noted, urging the media to refrain from speculation and await official announcements.
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Pakistan’s cautious public stance comes as it quietly emerges as a key player seeking an end to the escalating conflict between the US and Iran. According to US media and officials familiar with the development, Islamabad is being positioned as a potential venue for talks between Tehran and Washington.
The diplomatic opening followed US President Donald Trump announcing a temporary halt in hostilities, citing what he described as “constructive engagement” with Iran. In the immediate aftermath, reports suggested that Pakistan, Turkiye and Egypt stepped up efforts to facilitate indirect communications between the two adversaries.
According to 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 parliament speaker. However, Tehran has publicly rejected any suggestion of direct or indirect talks with Washington.
Yet diplomatic activity over the past 24 hours indicates a flurry of behind-the-scenes engagement that suggests otherwise.
Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership remained actively engaged with key stakeholders. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, reaffirming solidarity with Iran while calling for restraint and dialogue.
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According to an official statement, the prime minister extended Eidul Fitr and Nowruz greetings to the Iranian leadership and people while expressing condolences over the loss of life in the ongoing conflict. He warned of the “dangerous” trajectory of hostilities in the Gulf and stressed the urgent need for collective efforts to de-escalate tensions through diplomacy.
Importantly, he stressed the need for unity in the Muslim world, saying the unity of the Ummah was “more critical than ever” amid the crisis.
Sharing details of Pakistan’s diplomatic overtures, Prime Minister Shehbaz assured Tehran that Islamabad would continue to play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability.
Meanwhile, the country’s military leadership also engaged Washington. A report in Financial Times said the Defense Chief and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir held a telephone conversation with President Trump to discuss the developing 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 conducted a hectic diplomatic exercise, where he spoke separately to his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. In both talks, Dar emphasized dialogue and diplomacy to ensure peace and stability, with all sides agreeing to remain in close contact.
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These parallel engagements, which also involve Turkiye and Egypt, point to a coordinated but nascent mediation effort largely centered on backchannel messaging rather than a formal negotiation process.
While there has been no official confirmation from Islamabad regarding hosting talks, sources did not rule out the possibility, suggesting that Pakistan is willing to offer a neutral venue if required.
However, analysts warn that despite the diplomatic storm, prospects for a breakthrough remain uncertain due to deep mistrust between Washington and Tehran and rapidly evolving battlefield dynamics.
Still, Pakistan’s proactive diplomacy underscores its attempt to position itself as a bridge—maintaining solidarity with Iran as a neighbor while maintaining strategic ties with the United States and key Gulf partners.
Since the war began, Pakistan has walked a diplomatic tightrope, 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 succeed, it could turn into a major diplomatic coup.
