Dar urges collective efforts for Middle East peace talks with world leaders

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday discussed the evolving regional developments with the key foreign leaders, stressing on the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and collective efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), in a telephonic conversation with Canadian FM Anita Anand, Dar underlined the significance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts and fostering peace.

"The two leaders exchanged views on the current regional situation, highlighting the need for immediate de-escalation," said the statement.

It added that both sides reiterated their commitment to enhancing Pakistan-Canada relations and emphasised the value of high-level exchanges. They agreed to maintain close contact moving forward.

In a separate talk with the United Kingdom's Minister of State Hamish Falconer, both leaders focused on the evolving regional situation. They reaffirmed the strength of Pakistan-UK relations and agreed to continue working together while remaining in close contact.

"Falconer expressed appreciation for Pakistan's efforts to promote dialogue and diplomacy aimed at ensuring peace and stability," said MOFA.

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Dar also spoke with Portugal's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel. "The two sides discussed the unfolding regional developments, with foreign minister stressing the urgent need for de-escalation and reiterating Pakistan's commitment to long-term peace and stability," said the statement.

"Rangel fully supported Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate dialogue and diplomacy in the region. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in bilateral relations and agreed to deepen cooperation in all areas of mutual interest," read the statement from MOFA.

The ministry further added that they underscored the importance of high-level exchanges and agreed to remain in close contact.

In addition, Dar received a call from Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Toshimitsu Motegi. The leaders exchanged views on the regional situation, particularly in the Middle East, and stressed the importance of de-escalating tensions.

Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting all initiatives aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability.

"Motegi acknowledged and supported Pakistan’s constructive role in facilitating dialogue and diplomacy for regional peace. Both leaders agreed to maintain close communication," said the statement.

Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply after US and Israeli air strikes last month assassinated  Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials, triggering a wave of retaliation from Tehran and widening the conflict across the region.

In response to the strikes, Iran launched retaliatory attacks on US military bases in several Gulf countries, significantly expanding the scope of the confrontation.

Since then, Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator and ramped up its efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East after US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which prompted Tehran to launch attacks on Israel and US military bases in the Gulf.

To ease tensions, Pakistan also hosted a quadrilateral foreign ministers' meeting in Islamabad, with representatives from Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. The meeting grabbed the world's attention and was widely appreciated for Pakistan's efforts.