Pakistan intensifies regional diplomacy as Dar engages Gulf, Iran to ease ME tension

• Deputy PM Ishaq Dar holds talks with UAE, Malaysia FMs and GCC Secretary-General on regional stability, peace

• Expresses concern over recent attacks and conveys Pakistan's solidarity with UAE and its people

• Speaks again with Iranian counterpart after Pakistan acted as mediator between KSA and Iran

• Information Minister underscores Pakistan’s ‘constructive and effective’ diplomatic and defence role

  ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday held high-level talks with counterparts from the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Iran and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General on regional security, stability, and peace amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East, the Foreign Office said.

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

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

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

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The two leaders exchanged views on the evolving regional situation and underscored… pic.twitter.com/0LxTNNSlXE

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 7, 2026

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

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, the statement added.

In a separate call, Deputy PM Dar spoke with Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamad Haji Hasan, the Foreign Office said.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke with Foreign Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Mohamad Haji Hasan @tokmatn9.

The two leaders exchanged views on regional situation and expressed hope for peace and stability in the region. They… pic.twitter.com/6o3oDK6fdT

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 7, 2026

“The two leaders exchanged views on the regional situation and expressed hope for peace and stability in the region,” the FO added, noting that both sides agreed to remain in close contact as events continue to unfold.

FM Dar also held talks with 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,” the statement said.

Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke today with Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi @GCCSG.

They exchanged views on the regional situation. SG AlBudaiwi appreciated Pakistan’s strong… pic.twitter.com/sqfeqBtyCx

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 7, 2026

The Foreign Office further noted that Dar spoke again with his Iranian counterpart, following a conversation on the evolving situation the previous day.

Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister @MIshaqDar50 spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister @araghchi on the evolving regional situation. The two leaders exchanged views on recent developments and agreed to remain in touch. pic.twitter.com/J5yYjmPSix

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 7, 2026

DPM/FM felicitates Commonwealth Secretary-General

Meanwhile, DPM/FM Senator Ishaq Dar extended felicitations to Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey and the entire Commonwealth family on the occasion of Commonwealth Day (March 9).

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke with Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey @SGCommonwealth last night.

The DPM/FM informed the Secretary-General that, in view of the evolving regional situation, he will be unable to… pic.twitter.com/Zd0LWo2m0S

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 7, 2026

The Foreign Office said Dar underscored Pakistan’s contributions to the Commonwealth during his call and informed that, due to the ongoing regional situation, he would be unable to attend the forthcoming Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) and Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting in London, authorizing Pakistan’s High Commissioner in London to represent the country on his behalf.

Pakistan plays 'constructive and effective' diplomatic role

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

Minister for Information @TararAttaullah says Pakistan is playing a constructive and effective role on diplomatic front for de-escalation in region @MoIB_Official #RadioPakistan #news https://t.co/xEqL3GjfWh

— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) March 7, 2026

Addressing a ceremony in Lahore on Saturday, 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, supported by highly professional and vigilant armed forces,” he added.

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

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.

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

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

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