Pakistan intensifies Gulf diplomacy as Dar, Qatar discuss regional crisis

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday held a key telephonic conversation with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, with both sides stressing the urgent need for dialogue and diplomacy amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the two leaders discussed the evolving regional situation and matters of mutual interest, reaffirming the importance of diplomatic engagement to address growing regional challenges.

The Qatari minister appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive role and ongoing diplomatic efforts” in promoting peace and de-escalation, while Dar reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to advancing the shared goals of peace, stability and prosperity across the region and beyond.

The latest contact reflects Pakistan’s increasingly active diplomatic outreach as it continues efforts to mediate between Iran and the United States following months of conflict and instability in the Gulf region.

The conversation came a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, thanking the Qatari leadership for supporting Pakistan’s mediation initiatives aimed at reducing tensions in the region.

It marked the second telephone exchange between the two leaders within a week. Earlier discussions also focused on the deteriorating regional security environment and the need for sustained peace efforts.

Meanwhile, Dar also met Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy in Islamabad on Monday. According to the Foreign Office, both sides exchanged views on regional developments and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Pakistan-Saudi Arabia cooperation in all fields.

The Saudi envoy appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace and stability, while Dar underscored Islamabad’s resolve to continue diplomatic engagement for conflict resolution.

Pakistan has emerged as a major diplomatic interlocutor since the United States and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran on February 28, triggering retaliatory strikes by Tehran across the region.

Islamabad subsequently brokered a two-week ceasefire and hosted high-level talks between American and Iranian officials. Although the negotiations did not produce a final agreement, Pakistan remains hopeful that a broader peace understanding could eventually be achieved through continued diplomacy.