FM Dar holds talks with UAE, Malaysian counterparts on regional stability, peace

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held talks on Saturday with counterparts from the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia on regional security, stability and peace as the conflict in the Middle East grinds on.

Tensions in the Middle East surged last week after US and Israeli air strikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with several senior officials, sparking retaliatory attacks from Tehran and broadening the regional conflict. In response, Iran targeted US military bases across multiple Gulf countries, significantly escalating the confrontation.

In the wake of these developments, Pakistan’s leadership has intensified diplomatic efforts to help manage the rising tensions, particularly between Iran and the Gulf states.

In a post on X today, the Foreign Office said Dar spoke with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

“The two leaders exchanged views on the evolving regional situation and underscored the importance of peace and stability,” the statement said.

It added that Dar expressed concern over recent attacks in the region, including those targeting the UAE, and conveyed Pakistan’s solidarity with the UAE and its people.

In a separate call, Dar spoke with Malaysian FM Dato’ Seri Mohamad Haji Hasan.

“The two leaders exchanged views on regional situation and expressed hope for peace and stability in the region,” the FO said, adding that they also agreed to remain in close contact as developments continue to unfold.

FM Dar also spoke with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi.

“They exchanged views on the regional situation. SG Al Budaiwi appreciated Pakistan’s strong partnership and solidarity with the GCC. Both sides underscored the importance of de-escalation and emphasised dialogue and cooperation for peace and stability in the region.”

Meanwhile, state-run Radio Pakistan reported that Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that Pakistan was playing a “constructive and effective” role on the diplomatic front to help de-escalate regional tensions.

Addressing a ceremony in Lahore today, Tarar said Pakistan was “globally acknowledged as a strong country on defence and diplomatic fronts”.

“While Pakistan continues to advocate for de-escalation and peace, its own defence is impregnable with highly professional and vigilant armed forces,” he said.

Tarar added, “No matter what challenges may come Pakistan’s way, it always has and will continue to emerge victorious.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also urged de-escalation and dialogue to preserve peace in the Middle East during talks with the heads of Gulf and Muslim countries.

Read More: Pakistan making full diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in Middle East

The killing of Khamenei has opened a new chapter of escalation and instability in the Middle East. To reduce tensions. Last week, FM Dar, in a briefing to ambassadors from several countries, said that Pakistan was closely monitoring the regional situation and working to reduce tensions through diplomatic efforts.

He added that Pakistan was closely monitoring developments in Iran, with all efforts focused on easing tensions, calling the situation “extremely delicate”.

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah also said that Pakistan was acting as a mediator between Saudi Arabia and Iran to defuse tensions.