Dar, Saudi envoy review regional situation, reaffirm push for diplomacy and peace

• Saudi ambassador lauds Pakistan's role in Islamabad MoU and efforts to advance regional stability

• Dar reaffirms commitment to Pakistan-Saudi strategic partnership across all areas of mutual interest

• Polio Oversight Board commends Pakistan's diplomacy, backs renewed drive to eradicate poliovirus

 ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Tuesday held talks with Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmed Al-Malki on the evolving regional situation following the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), as both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing dialogue, diplomacy and closer Pakistan-Saudi Arabia cooperation while also reviewing preparations for the upcoming OIC Ministerial Conference on Women and Pakistan's polio eradication efforts.

According to the Foreign Office (FO), Dar met the Saudi envoy to exchange views on the latest regional developments in the wake of the recent Islamabad MoU.

During the meeting, both sides underscored the need to advance joint efforts aimed at promoting dialogue and diplomacy to strengthen regional peace and stability, the FO spokesperson said in a post on X.

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

They exchanged views on the latest regional developments… pic.twitter.com/KmcPPbcBqX

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 8, 2026

The Saudi ambassador appreciated Pakistan's continued efforts for regional peace and security, including through R-4, and acknowledged Islamabad's leading role in facilitating the Islamabad MoU, the Foreign Office said.

Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations across all areas of mutual interest.

 Polio Oversight Board delegation meets Dar

 Meanwhile, a delegation of the Polio Oversight Board (POB) called on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, the Foreign Office said in a separate post on X.

A delegation of the Polio Oversight Board (POB) called on Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 today.

The delegation included Mr. Mike McGovern, POB Chair, Rotary International; Dr. Chris Elias, President, Global Development, Gates… pic.twitter.com/ksZ83vfdOQ

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 8, 2026

The delegation comprised Mike McGovern, POB Chair, Rotary International; Dr Chris Elias, President, Global Development, Gates Foundation; Dr Hanan Balkhy, Regional Director, WHO EMRO; Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO, Gavi; Sanjay Wijeskera, Regional Director, UNICEF Asia; Dr Ziad Memish, Senior Adviser, KS Relief; and Dr Omotayo Bola, Team Lead, GID, CDC.

Dar appreciated the delegation's steadfast support for Pakistan's polio eradication campaign and reaffirmed the government's unwavering commitment to achieving a polio-free Pakistan through sustained political resolve and close collaboration with international partners.

The delegation praised Pakistan's strong and vibrant diplomacy in promoting regional peace as well as its proactive role in addressing global humanitarian issues.

The Pakistani side was represented by Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson of the National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC), who also heads the Pakistan Polio Programme, along with the Special Secretary (UN) and other senior officials from relevant ministries.

Dar reviews preparations for OIC women's conference

Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Wednesday stressed the importance of flawless execution during the final phase of preparations for the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, directing all concerned ministries and agencies to ensure seamless coordination and complete all remaining tasks within the stipulated timelines.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 chaired the 7th meeting of the High-Level Committee overseeing preparations for the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, which Pakistan will host on 12–13 July 2026.

The Committee conducted a… pic.twitter.com/mZh6LWyAQz

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 8, 2026

Dar chaired the seventh meeting of the High-Level Committee overseeing preparations for the conference, which Pakistan will host on July 12-13, 2026, according to a news release issued by the Deputy Prime Minister's Office.

The committee conducted a comprehensive review of preparations, including arrangements for the conference venue, programme, delegate facilitation, protocol, security, logistics, media coverage and inter-ministerial coordination to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the event.

The meeting was attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights Saba Sadiq, the federal secretaries of Human Rights and the Cabinet Division, as well as senior officials from the relevant ministries.