ME peace bid not at urging of Riyadh, Tehran: FO

Spokesperson says Pakistan took diplomatic initiative on its own

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Thursday said Pakistan initiated diplomatic efforts on its own to seek de-escalation in the Middle East and was not asked by either Saudi Arabia or Iran.

“This is an initiative that Pakistan has taken because we understand our responsibility as a member of the international community and as an important country in this region,” said Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui.

She was responding to a question at a weekly news briefing that whether Saudi Arabia and Iran had requested Pakistan to play a role of a mediator.

Her statement came after Prime Minister Imran Khan said Pakistan would not become party to any war but was ready to offer Pakistan’s good offices for defusing tensions in the Middle East.

For this purpose, he directed Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to undertake visits to Saudi Arabia, Iran and USA while also asked army chief General Qamar Bajwa to reach out to the relevant military leaders.

However, before Pakistan’s diplomatic effort could take place, President Donald Trump himself indicated that the US was willing to de-escalate the situation and ready for unconditional talks with Iran.

Initially, there were fears that Washington might react strongly after Tehran targeted US military bases in Iraq in retaliation to the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani. But the US president’s statement suggesting that Iran appeared to be seeking de-escalation has eased fears of any major conflict between the two countries.

Explaining the rationale behind Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts, the Foreign Office spokesperson pointed towards Pakistan’s geography, history and strong relationships with all the countries in the region, making it an important player in the current situation, especially in the light of the recent developments in Middle East.

“Based on these considerations, it is very important for Pakistan to contribute towards the goal of ensuring peace and security in the region,” Farooqui said. “We have brotherly and historic relations with Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and all other countries in the region. And based on these relations, I want to remind you that the prime minister has taken visits to these countries earlier also, in an effort to bring down the tensions in the region. This is another effort and attempt, in this context.”

Pakistan not long ago tried to facilitate talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia when tensions between the two countries were high after Saudi oil facilitates came under missile attacks in September.

PM Imran undertook visits to Tehran and Riyadh for this purpose. Foreign Minister Qureshi at that time claimed that it was because of Pakistan’s efforts that the threat of any escalation between Iran and Saudi Arabia was prevented.

Pakistan’s desire to seek better relationship between the two key Muslim countries stemmed from the fact that any conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia will have negative implications for the country.

Historically, the idea of seeking mediation between the Muslim countries also goes well domestically. Observers, nevertheless, believe that given the current situation, it is unlikely that major players or parties involved would seek any major role for Pakistan.