Pakistan to Host Key Regional Talks as Diplomatic Efforts Intensify

According to a statement by the Foreign Office, the meeting will be held at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The visiting dignitaries include Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.

The Foreign Office said the talks will focus on a wide range of regional and international issues, with particular emphasis on efforts to de-escalate tensions. The visiting ministers are also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during their stay in Islamabad.

Officials noted that the meeting, initially planned in Turkiye, was shifted to Islamabad due to Pakistan’s increasing role in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States. The move has fueled speculation that Islamabad could soon host direct or indirect negotiations between the two countries.

Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator in the evolving diplomatic process, working in coordination with Ankara and Cairo. Ishaq Dar confirmed that indirect communication between Washington and Tehran is already underway through messages relayed by Pakistan, with a reported 15-point framework from the US currently under Iranian consideration.

The diplomatic push follows the formation of a four-country mechanism on March 19 during a gathering of Arab and Muslim states in Riyadh. While initially focused on defence cooperation, the platform has evolved into a broader effort aimed at promoting dialogue and regional stability.

In recent days, Pakistan has intensified its diplomatic outreach. Dar held separate calls with his Turkish and Egyptian counterparts, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts for peace. He also spoke with António Guterres, who expressed support for Pakistan’s mediation role.

China has also backed Islamabad’s efforts, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi reportedly encouraging Iran to engage in talks. Similarly, Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah endorsed Pakistan’s initiative in a call with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

With multiple stakeholders supporting the initiative, Pakistan has taken center stage in efforts to ease tensions and potentially broker dialogue between the United States and Iran amid the ongoing regional crisis.