Dar stresses dialogue, diplomacy as only viable path to regional peace in meeting with Iranian envoy

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday emphasised that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable means of resolving disputes and securing lasting peace and stability in the region.

Dar made the remarks during a meeting with Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghaddam, according to the Foreign Office (FO).

In a post on X, the FO stated that the Iranian ambassador expressed gratitude for the support shown by the Pakistani people during what he described as a challenging period.

"The DPM/FM conveyed his condolences over the loss of precious lives in the conflict and expressed hope for an early resolution. He underscored that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to resolving issues and achieving lasting peace and stability in the region."

The ambassador, according to the FO's statement, expressed appreciation for the "strong moral support extended by the people of Pakistan during this challenging time."

Backdrop of Middle East conflict

The meeting took place against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. In retaliatory strikes, Iran has targeted US assets and bases in Gulf countries.

Pakistan has consistently called for de-escalation and peaceful resolution of tensions in the region. The meeting between Dar and the Iranian envoy reflects Islamabad's continued diplomatic engagement with Tehran amid the heightened hostilities in the Middle East.

Dar's emphasis on diplomacy and dialogue as the sole viable path to peace underscored Pakistan's broader foreign policy stance of advocating for restraint and conflict resolution through peaceful means rather than military escalation.

The expression of condolences by the deputy prime minister over the loss of lives in the conflict and his hope for an early resolution signalled Pakistan's concern over the humanitarian toll of the ongoing hostilities in the region.

Iran's ambassador, for his part, acknowledged the solidarity shown by the people of Pakistan, highlighting the close ties between the two neighbouring countries during a period of regional uncertainty and conflict.