Dar, Araghchi holds telephonic conversation; FMs discuss the regional situation, border issues
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar shakes hands with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi during a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad. Photo: AFP
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan on Saturday expressed its strong desire for peace and stability in Iran and the wider region as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi, amid ongoing protests sparked by rising living costs in the neighboring country.
According to a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry, Dar and Araghchi discussed the current situation in Iran as well as broader regional developments. The Deputy Prime Minister expressed hope that calm and stability would prevail, while both sides agreed to continue close bilateral consultations on issues of mutual interest.
“Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. They discussed the current situation in Iran and the wider region. The DPM/FM expressed hope for peace and stability and both sides agreed to continue bilateral consultations,” the foreign ministry said.
This was the second contact between the two foreign ministers since protests erupted in several Iranian cities on December 28, driven mainly by economic hardships facing ordinary citizens amid rising inflation and high living costs.
However, Iran blamed foreign-backed elements for the unrest. The demonstrations have attracted regional and international attention at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions involving Iran.
At one point, US President Donald Trump threatened to attack Iran, but apparently put his plan on hold after reported opposition from Israel and several regional countries.
Pakistan has adopted a cautious and measured approach to the unfolding situation, stressing respect for Iran’s sovereignty while stressing the importance of stability in a neighboring country with which Islamabad shares deep historical and cultural ties.
During his weekly news briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi outlined Pakistan’s official position in detail, noting that Islamabad was closely monitoring developments in Iran.
“Pakistan is closely following the developments regarding the situation in Iran,” Andrabi said. “We attach great importance to Iran, both as a neighboring country and an important member of the international community and global brotherhood.”
Reaffirming Pakistan’s support for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, the spokesman said Islamabad hoped calm would soon be restored. “Pakistan hopes that peace and stability will prevail and reaffirms its support for all efforts aimed at a peaceful resolution of the situation.”
Describing Iran as a close and trusted neighbor, Andrabi said Pakistan wanted to see a stable and prosperous Iran. “As a neighbor, friend and brother country, Pakistan wants to see a peaceful, stable and prosperous Iran,” he said.
Highlighting the deep-rooted relationship between the two nations, the spokesperson said the people of Pakistan shared “deep historical, cultural and religious ties” with the people of Iran. He also praised Iran’s resilience in the face of challenges. “Iran is a resilient nation that has shown remarkable courage and determination over the years to overcome various challenges,” Andrabi noted.
It is important that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognized the economic roots of the unrest. “We understand that the recent protests in Iran were triggered by economic hardship for ordinary citizens, which has been further exacerbated by international sanctions,” the spokesman said.
Andrabi welcomed the steps announced by the Iranian government to provide relief to traders and the general public, and expressed hope that these measures would ease public hardship.
“Pakistan sincerely hopes that the livelihood and economic support measures announced by the Iranian government to traders and the general public will help alleviate the hardships faced by the people. We wish them success in these endeavours,” he said.
He expressed confidence that Iran would overcome the current challenges, adding that stability in Iran was in Pakistan’s own national interest. “Pakistan remains confident that the Iranian nation will overcome these challenges and emerge stronger. A stable and peaceful Iran, free from domestic unrest or political upheaval, is in Pakistan’s interest,” Andrabi said.
The spokesman said Pakistan had full confidence in Iran’s leadership and people to navigate the crisis. “We have full confidence in the wisdom and leadership of the Iranian people, rooted in their rich culture, ancient civilization, history and resilience, to address all the challenges facing Iran,” he said.
Diplomatic observers say Dar’s move reflects Islamabad’s broader policy of sustained engagement with neighbors and resistance to any external intervention that could further destabilize the region. As the situation in Iran continues to evolve, Pakistan is expected to remain in close diplomatic contact with Tehran while consistently calling for restraint, dialogue and stability.
