ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is set to depart for Riyadh on Wednesday to participate in a high-level meeting of regional foreign ministers, where he will call for a “swift end” to the ongoing Middle East conflict, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office. The meeting, scheduled for March 18–19, is being held at the invitation of Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.
During the talks, Dar is expected to reaffirm Pakistan’s support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of countries in the region, while urging an immediate halt to attacks and a return to dialogue and diplomacy. The current conflict escalated following US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, prompting retaliatory attacks by Tehran on US assets and bases in Gulf states. Amid rising tensions, Pakistan has positioned itself as a “bridge builder” advocating de-escalation.
Dar is also expected to highlight Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach and its willingness to play a constructive role in resolving the crisis. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is among other regional leaders attending the Riyadh meeting to discuss the evolving situation.
This marks the third high-level Pakistani visit to Saudi Arabia since the conflict began. Earlier, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir met Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud on March 7 to discuss security concerns.
On March 12, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with the Kingdom and commitment to regional peace.Saudi Arabia has been among the countries targeted in Iran’s retaliatory strikes. Pakistani leadership, including Dar and Prime Minister Shehbaz, has remained in active diplomatic contact with regional stakeholders, consistently urging restraint and de-escalation.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its support, acknowledging Islamabad’s stance during the ongoing crisis.
