FM Dar arrives in Riyadh to push for 'swift end' to Middle East conflict

• Deputy PM to attend Meeting of Arab and Islamic countries FMs, where he will advocate a swift end to ongoing ME conflict

• Meeting brings together Arab and Islamic foreign ministers, including Turkey for regional coordination

• Pakistan calls for protection of sovereignty and territorial integrity of brotherly nations

• FO calls Pakistan’s role as ‘bridge-builder,’ highlighting its pivotal position in stabilising Middle East tensions

•  

RIYADH: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday to participate in the Consultative Ministerial Meeting of Foreign Ministers from Arab and Islamic countries, where he is set to advocate for a swift end to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Foreign Office (FO) said.

In a statement, the FO said FM Dar was received upon arrival by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Farooq, along with senior representatives of the Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry.

Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, arrived in Riyadh to participate in the Consultative Ministerial Meeting of Foreign Ministers from Arab and Islamic countries, hosted by the Saudi Arabia.

He was received upon arrival by Pakistan’s… pic.twitter.com/L6BwNJiMbr

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 18, 2026

The Middle East conflict began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran. In retaliation, Iran targeted US assets and bases in Gulf countries. Amid rising tensions, the FO described Pakistan’s role as that of a “bridge builder”, promoting dialogue and stability in the region.

According to an earlier FO statement, Dar travelled to Riyadh at the invitation of Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. He will attend the meeting from March 18 to 19 alongside foreign ministers of regional countries.

🔊PR No.7️⃣0️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣

Curtain Raiser:Visit of Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 to Saudi Arabia to Attend Meeting on Regional Developments https://t.co/16kckQo6pg
🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/G6EdMs2FKp

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 18, 2026

During the sessions, he will express Pakistan’s full support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence of all brotherly nations, and call for an immediate cessation of all attacks on their territories.

The FO added that Dar will reiterate Pakistan’s call for a swift end to hostilities and advocate a return to dialogue and diplomacy. He is also expected to highlight Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach and its commitment to playing a pivotal role in resolving the grave security crisis confronting the region.

 According to Reuters, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is also attending the Riyadh meeting to discuss regional developments.

This marks the third high-level visit from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia amid the ongoing tensions. On March 7, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir met Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud to discuss Iran’s attacks on Saudi Arabia. On March 12, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a restricted meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where he expressed Pakistan’s full solidarity and support and agreed to work together for regional peace and stability.

Saudi Arabia has been one of the countries targeted in Iran’s retaliatory campaign. Since the outbreak of hostilities, PM Shehbaz Sharif and FM Dar have maintained continuous communication with regional and international leaders, repeatedly calling for de-escalation and dialogue.

On Monday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi thanked the Government and people of Pakistan for extending strong solidarity and support to Iran amid aggression from the United States and Israel.