Pakistan is actively working to reduce tensions in the Middle East through diplomacy: Dar

Ishaq Dar, the country’s foreign minister and deputy prime minister, has stated that Pakistan is actively seeking diplomatic avenues to assist in lowering the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Dar stated during a press briefing in Islamabad that the most recent events had significantly exacerbated the already precarious regional situation. He emphasized that Pakistan is calling on all parties to use moderation and prevent the situation from getting worse.

He pointed out that diplomatic efforts to reach a peaceful, negotiated resolution were still in progress when the situation worsened. Although there have been no known casualties thus far, Dar questioned the abrupt change of events that has now attracted the attention of other nations, noting that Saudi Arabia had purportedly retaliated against Iran in self-defense.

Dar stated that Pakistan is extremely worried about transgressions of international law and long-standing diplomatic standards, especially the targeting of state and government leaders, referring to a meeting that Shehbaz Sharif convened the day before. He cautioned that recent events on the ground are concerning and go against accepted international norms.

The pilots of three US fighter jets involved in the Iran strikes are safe after they crash in Kuwait.

Pakistan has continuously insisted that communication and diplomacy must continue to be open, the foreign minister reaffirmed. According to him, every state should abide by international humanitarian law, protect sovereignty and territorial integrity, and uphold the UN Charter.

Dar also recalled speaking with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi over the phone on February 28, during which he expressed Pakistan’s disapproval of the attacks and urged moderation. Dar stated that the situation has not yet shown any signs of calm, despite his counterpart’s good response.

He continued by saying that he has kept in touch with a number of foreign ministers and that they all agree that the only practical way to resolve disputes in the Middle East and around the world is through diplomacy.

Dar stated in his conclusion that in order to restore respect for the values established in the post-World War II global order, all parties involved must work together to utilize the international platforms and procedures already in place.