Speaking on the Geo News programme Geo Pakistan, he said military leaders informed participants during an in-camera briefing that they were maintaining continuous contact with Iran. Efforts are underway to address misunderstandings and ensure Gulf states are not drawn into the conflict.
The closed-door meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, brought together parliamentary leaders to discuss the Pakistan-Afghanistan situation, developments in the Middle East and Islamabad’s diplomatic initiatives.
Sanaullah said participants supported Iran’s right to respond to Israel but agreed that any retaliation should not be directed at Gulf countries.
He added that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar briefed attendees on his contacts with several countries, particularly Gulf states, aimed at reducing tensions.
According to Sanaullah, Dar relayed that Iran had indicated it would refrain from targeting Saudi Arabia if Riyadh assured that its territory would not be used for operations against Tehran. He described Pakistan’s communications with Iran and other regional actors as constructive, noting that Islamabad was facilitating dialogue between Tehran and Riyadh.
Sanaullah said both the military and political leadership in Pakistan had previously contributed to negotiations involving Iran and were again working to help end the conflict. He described the current situation as a war imposed on Iran and warned that it could be prolonged if assumptions that Tehran would retreat following initial strikes proved incorrect.
Since the start of the US-Israel offensive on February 28, more than 1,000 people have been killed across Iran, according to Islamic Republic News Agency. The agency, citing Iran’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, reported that 1,045 military personnel and civilians had died during what it described as military aggression.
