Dar, French counterpart discuss Lebanon ceasefire violations and bilateral ties

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received a telephone call from French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on Friday, during which the two discussed regional developments as well as relations between Pakistan and France.

The French foreign minister congratulated Pakistan on its role in helping secure an initial ceasefire agreement and expressed support for Islamabad’s continued efforts to pursue a diplomatic route for lasting peace and stability in the region.

During the conversation, both sides expressed concern over what were described as serious violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon. They stressed the need for the agreement to be fully implemented and respected.

The two ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and expanding economic and trade cooperation. They agreed to remain in close contact.

Regional tensions remain in focus

The development comes as Israel launched a series of attacks on Lebanon after Pakistan brokered a ceasefire between Iran and the United States, in a violation of the truce.

Later, Donald Trump said he had urged Benjamin Netanyahu to reduce the scale of Israel’s military operations in Lebanon and voiced hope that a broader ceasefire could hold.

His remarks followed Washington’s announcement of a two-week truce with Iran after weeks of rising conflict across the region. Peace talks are scheduled in Islamabad with the aim of securing a longer-term settlement.

Despite the ceasefire, Israel has stepped up strikes across Lebanon, carrying out some of the deadliest attacks since fighting with Hezbollah intensified last month. Lebanese authorities say hundreds of people have been killed and more than a thousand wounded, raising fears that the continued violence could undermine fragile diplomatic efforts and trigger wider regional escalation.

Pakistan calls for ceasefire to cover Lebanon

Pakistan, which played a key role in brokering the US-Iran truce, has maintained that the ceasefire should also apply to Lebanon. Officials in Islamabad and elsewhere have voiced concern that Israeli military action could weaken the agreement, while reiterating their commitment to facilitating dialogue and supporting peace efforts through the upcoming negotiations.

Uncertainty has also grown because of differing positions in Washington and Tehran over whether Lebanon falls within the scope of the ceasefire. While the United States maintains that Israel’s actions are outside the truce, Iran says the continued strikes breach the agreement and has warned they could render talks meaningless and damage prospects for a durable peace in the region.