Dar engages UK, China envoys for support on Middle East peace

• British HC Jane Marriott calls on DPM Dar, discusses evolving regional situation

• FM Dar, Chinese Ambassador also review unfolding regional and global developments

• Underscores urgent need to promote de-escalation in Middle East, wider region through dialogue and diplomacy

• Both sides reiterate All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership and agree to maintain close cooperation on issues of mutual interest

 ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday continued his diplomatic overtures and held separate meeting with the ambassadors of China and the United Kingdom to discuss the regional situation and muster support for efforts to resolve the conflict between Iran and the United States, according to the Foreign Office.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), British High Commissioner Jane Marriott called on DPM/FM Ishaq Dar on Tuesday and discussed the evolving regional situation.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott @JaneMariottUK called on Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 today. Discussions focused on the evolving regional situation.

DPM/FM underscored that diplomacy and dialogue remain the only viable… pic.twitter.com/TGFwkQTbyh

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

“During the discussion, FM Dar underscored that diplomacy and dialogue remain the only viable path forward, emphasizing the urgent need for early resolution of the conflict,” the statement said.

Pakistan’s leadership has stepped up diplomatic efforts to help de-escalate tensions in the Middle East since the start of the war between the US, Israel, and Iran. Dar has held telephonic conversations with his counterparts from several Gulf states and other countries, stressing the importance of de-escalation and emphasising the need to pursue dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Later, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong also met Dar, where discussions focused on unfolding regional and global developments.

Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong called on the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 today. Discussions focused on the unfolding regional and global developments.

DPM/FM underscored the urgent need to promote de-escalation in the Middle… pic.twitter.com/WNKIXd4xs4

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

“Dar underscored the urgent need to promote de-escalation in the Middle East and the wider region through dialogue and diplomacy,” it added.

The ministry further said that both sides reiterated the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership and agreed to maintain close cooperation on issues of mutual interest.

Earlier in the day, in a telephone conversation with his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, FM Dar underscored the importance of peace and stability, calling for immediate de-escalation and emphasising that dialogue and diplomacy remained the only viable path forward, the Foreign Office (FO) said on X.

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

He 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 country.

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.

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.