Dar, UAE FM confer on regional tensions as diplomacy ramps up to ease conflict

• Deputy PM Dar, UAE FM discuss evolving regional situation in key telephonic call

• Pakistan underscores imperative of peace and stability, calling for ‘immediate de-escalation’

• Stresses ‘dialogue and diplomacy remained the only viable path forward

• Islamabad emerges as potential venue for peace talks, reports FT

 ISLAMABAD: Amid intensifying diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday held a telephonic conversation with UAE Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, exchanging views on the evolving regional situation, the Foreign Office said.

During the call, Dar underscored the imperative of peace and stability, calling for “immediate de-escalation” and stressing that “dialogue and diplomacy remained the only viable path forward,” according to a Foreign Office spokesperson.

DPM/FM Senator @MIshaqDar50 spoke with UAE’s DPM/FM H.H. Sheikh @ABZayed.

They exchanged views on the evolving regional situation. DPM/FM underscored the importance of peace and stability, calling for immediate de-escalation and emphasizing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the… pic.twitter.com/jOdR7SCqzo

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 24, 2026

Since the outbreak of the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran, Pakistan’s leadership has remained actively engaged in diplomatic outreach to help ease tensions. Dar has held a series of telephonic contacts with counterparts from Gulf states and other countries, consistently emphasising the need for restraint and adherence to dialogue and diplomacy in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter.

In a post on X, the Foreign Office reiterated Dar’s call for de-escalation and peaceful resolution, highlighting that diplomacy remains central to Pakistan’s approach.

The deputy prime minister also expressed sorrow over the loss of lives, including three Pakistani nationals, in Iran’s attacks on the UAE, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast solidarity with the Emirati leadership and people. Both leaders also exchanged Eid greetings and agreed to remain in close contact.

Islamabad emerges as a key diplomatic player to broker a ceasefire: FT

Pakistan’s stepped-up diplomatic engagement comes alongside a report by Financial Times, which said Islamabad has emerged as a key diplomatic player seeking to broker a ceasefire and prevent further regional destabilisation as the conflict enters its fourth week.

According to the report, Pakistan is positioning itself as a potential venue for talks between the administration of Donald Trump and Tehran.

The diplomatic push involves Pakistan’s top leadership, with Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir reportedly holding a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Sunday to discuss de-escalation strategies. At the same time, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has maintained direct contact with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

A day earlier, Dar also held a telephonic conversation with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, during which both sides discussed the evolving situation in the Middle East.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephone conversation this evening with the Foreign Minister of Iran, Abbas Araghchi @Araghchi.

They discussed recent regional developments. DPM/FM emphasized the importance of dialogue &… pic.twitter.com/iFQPLO58Fn

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 23, 2026

During the exchange, Dar reiterated the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to promote peace, security and stability in the region and beyond, with both leaders agreeing to remain in close contact.

Pakistan pursuing diplomatic avenues to end the ongoing conflict

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office said Pakistan is actively pursuing diplomatic avenues to help bring an end to the ongoing conflict, cautioning against media speculation that could undermine sensitive efforts requiring discretion.

Responding to media queries, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Islamabad remained firmly committed to resolving the conflict through dialogue and engagement, in line with its longstanding foreign policy principles.

“Pakistan, consistent with its longstanding policy, remains committed to the resolution of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East/Persian Gulf through dialogue and diplomatic engagements,” he said.

“Diplomacy and negotiations often require certain matters be advanced with discretion,” he added, urging the media to avoid speculation and await official statements.