China, Pakistan, Gulf FMs stress de-escalation as Islamabad steps up diplomacy in Middle East

• FM Wang Yi lauds Pakistan’s constructive efforts to promote stability in the region in call with FM Dar

• Leaders stress dialogue and diplomacy under UN Charter principles, with Dar underscores need for easing tensions after US-Israel strikes on Iran

• Deputy PM also coordinates with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to support peace and regional stability

• Dar assures Pakistan’s support for Bahrain following Iranian drone attack on Sitra island

 ISLAMABAD: China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday appreciated Pakistan’s constructive efforts to promote de-escalation and stability in the Middle East during a call with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, following heightened tensions after the United States and Israel attacked Iran, the Foreign Office said.

Pakistan’s leadership has intensified its diplomatic engagement to help manage tensions, particularly between Iran and the Gulf states.

In a post on X on Tuesday, the Foreign Office said FM Dar held a telephonic conversation with Wang Yi, during which both leaders stressed the importance of de-escalation and underscored the need to pursue dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with the UN Charter.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephonic conversation today with the Foreign Minister of China, H.E. Wang Yi.

They exchanged views on the evolving regional situation and broader global developments. DPM/FM shared… pic.twitter.com/40eF0ohVFL

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 10, 2026

“FM Wang Yi appreciated Pakistan’s constructive efforts aimed at promoting de-escalation and stability in the region,” the FO said. FM Dar shared Pakistan’s perspective, highlighting the urgent need to ease tensions in the Middle East and the wider region.

The two sides also exchanged views on the evolving regional situation and broader global developments. They reaffirmed the enduring strength of the bilateral partnership, reiterated their shared commitment to deepening cooperation, and agreed to remain in close contact.

Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply after US and Israeli air strikes last week assassinated Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials, triggering a wave of retaliatory strikes from Tehran and widening the regional conflict. In response, Iran launched attacks on US military bases in several Gulf countries, significantly expanding the scope of confrontation.

Deputy PM, Saudi FM discuss evolving situation in Middle East

FM Dar also spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud to discuss developments in the Middle East and the broader region, the FO said.

Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke this evening with the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, H.H. Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud @FaisalbinFarhan.

They discussed evolving developments in the Middle East and the wider region, and… pic.twitter.com/CulETnI9ui

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 10, 2026

The two leaders exchanged views on ongoing deliberations at the UN Security Council. Dar shared Pakistan’s perspective and emphasized the importance of continued coordination and diplomatic engagement to support de-escalation and promote regional peace and stability.

 Dar reiterates Pakistan’s support for Bahrain

Meanwhile, FM Dar held a call with Bahrain Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani to discuss recent developments in the Middle East.

Both leaders expressed grave concern over attacks in the region, including in Bahrain. Dar reiterated Pakistan’s support for Bahrain and its citizens, highlighting the importance of dialogue, de-escalation, and initiatives to promote regional stability.

Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke late last night with Bahrain’s Foreign Minister H. E. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.

They exchanged views on the developments in the Middle East and the wider region, conveying grave… pic.twitter.com/fKKRJXcdfz

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 10, 2026

The call followed an Iranian drone attack on Sitra island in Bahrain, which injured 32 people overnight, including four serious cases, some of them children, according to Bahrain’s Health Ministry.

Deputy PM stresses fiscal discipline, prudent use of public resources

Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and FM Ishaq Dar stressed the need for fiscal discipline, prudent use of public resources, and aligning the Ministry’s operations with the government’s commitment to economic responsibility, the FO said.

Dar chaired a meeting with senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to review implementation of the austerity measures announced by the Prime Minister.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister chaired a meeting with senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to review implementation of the austerity measures announced by the Prime Minister.

DPM/FM stressed the need for fiscal discipline, prudent use of public resources,… pic.twitter.com/HiPyWNcz4L

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 10, 2026

He emphasized efficient administrative practices and limiting expenditures to essential commitments, directing officials to identify areas where costs can be optimized without affecting Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach and consular services.

Reaffirming full support for the government’s austerity drive, Dar underscored the Ministry’s commitment to responsible governance, transparency, and efficient utilization of public funds, while continuing to safeguard Pakistan’s foreign policy interests.