Pakistan making full diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in Middle East: FM Dar

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Monday that Pakistan was closely monitoring the regional situation following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and was working to reduce tensions through diplomatic efforts. Briefing ambassadors of several countries, FM Dar said Pakistan was engaging regional partners amid what he described as a "fragile and sensitive situation". He said Pakistan was closely monitoring developments in Iran and that all efforts were focused on easing tensions, calling the situation “extremely delicate”. Dar said negotiations and diplomacy were the only way forward, and that Pakistan wanted all parties to prioritise talks. “Pakistan regrets the attacks on Gulf countries; however, the attacks by Iran were carried out in self-defence,” he said. He also confirmed that one Pakistani national was killed in an attack in the United Arab Emirates. Turning to the Middle East, Dar said Pakistan had played an effective role in efforts to promote peace, particularly in Gaza, and called for humanitarian assistance for the enclave’s residents. “Pakistan has played an effective role in the establishment of peace in the Middle East, especially in Gaza,” he said. He said Pakistan participated in the inaugural meeting of the Gaza Peace Board and would continue to support diplomatic initiatives aimed at regional stability. Dar acknowledged Pakistan was passing through a difficult diplomatic phase, adding that the government was in contact with neighbouring and Gulf states.  He added that he had sought to take friendly countries into confidence regarding developments in Afghanistan and broader regional security concerns.   ------------ More to follow.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/VSEwzoT