Dar intensifies Middle East peace push in talks with Saudi envoy, UK FM

• DPM/FM Ishaq Dar discuss recent developments in separate talks with Saudi envoy and UK foreign secretary

• Reiterates commitment to dialogue and diplomacy for regional stability, underscoring engagement among parties as key to lasting Gulf stability

• Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom acknowledge Islamabad’s sustained peace efforts

• Govt vows strict implementation of PM’s austerity measures amid economic pressures

 ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday held separate discussions with Saudi Arabia Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy and UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on regional developments and ongoing efforts to promote peace in the Middle East, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue, diplomacy and constructive engagement.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the deputy prime minister met the Saudi ambassador to review the evolving regional situation and discuss efforts aimed at ensuring sustainable peace in the Gulf and the wider Middle East region.

In a post on X, the Foreign Office said the discussions focused on recent regional developments, with FM Dar underscoring the importance of dialogue and engagement among all parties for peace and stability in the region.

H.E. Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, today called on Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50.

Discussions centered on recent regional developments.

DPM/FM emphasized the importance… pic.twitter.com/0kK98fGnNG

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 29, 2026

He expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s support and appreciated its cooperation in Pakistan’s ongoing peace efforts.

Both sides also reaffirmed the enduring and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Dar, UK foreign secretary discuss regional situation

In a related development, Ishaq Dar also held a telephone conversation with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, during which both leaders discussed the evolving regional situation, according to a separate statement from the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 and UK Foreign Secretary H.E. Yvette Cooper @YvetteCooperMP spoke today, to discuss the evolving regional situation.

Foreign Secretary Cooper reiterated UK’s appreciation for Pakistan’s sustained… pic.twitter.com/TSPmX5Uwcg

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 29, 2026

The UK foreign secretary appreciated Pakistan’s sustained efforts for peace and stability in the region and acknowledged its continued diplomatic engagement.

Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to promoting dialogue, diplomacy and constructive engagement between all stakeholders.

Both sides agreed to remain in close contact on regional developments.

Dar chairs fuel subsidy, austerity review meeting

Separately, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar chaired the fifth meeting of the Steering Committee on Fuel Subsidy and Austerity.

The committee reviewed progress on the fuel subsidy initiative and assessed the implementation of the prime minister’s austerity measures.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 chaired the 5th meeting of the Steering Committee on Fuel Subsidy and Austerity.

The committee reviewed progress on the fuel subsidy initiative and assessed the implementation of the Prime Minister’s… pic.twitter.com/oDJ6KHCExF

— Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (@DPM_PK) April 29, 2026

Dar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the subsidy and austerity measures in letter and spirit.

The meeting was attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, the Minister of State for Finance, federal secretaries for petroleum and information technology, as well as relevant officials from provincial departments and the governments of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.