According to the Foreign Office, Dar’s one-day visit—his second to Beijing this year—will focus on reviewing bilateral relations and discussing regional developments and issues of mutual interest.
The visit comes as Pakistan ramps up efforts to mediate in the ongoing war, having recently hosted foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt in Islamabad, while also facilitating communication between Washington and Tehran.
Observers suggest China could play a critical role in any potential settlement. Analyst Vali Nasr noted that Iran is seeking guarantees in any future agreement with the United States, with Beijing seen as a possible guarantor. Similarly, Mushahid Hussain Syed emphasized that China’s involvement would be vital at this stage, given Tehran’s need for credible assurances in any ceasefire arrangement.
The Foreign Office highlighted that Pakistan and China share an “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership,” marked by close coordination on regional and global issues. It added that Dar’s visit underscores the importance Islamabad places on its ties with Beijing, especially as he proceeded with the trip despite a recent shoulder injury.
Pakistan has increasingly positioned itself as a key diplomatic intermediary in the conflict, relaying messages between Iran and the United States and advocating for de-escalation.
Following a recent quadrilateral meeting in Islamabad, involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt, Dar called for an immediate and permanent end to the conflict, stressing the urgency of diplomatic solutions.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump is reportedly considering scaling back the US military campaign against Iran, even if the Strait of Hormuz remains partially closed. The waterway, a key global energy route, has been severely disrupted since the conflict began on February 28, contributing to rising economic pressures worldwide.
As the war enters its second month, diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan and supported by regional and global powers continue to gain momentum, with China’s potential role emerging as a key factor in any future negotiations.
