ISLAMABAD (MNN); Pakistan is hosting foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt on March 29-30 for crucial discussions on the ongoing Middle East conflict, as Islamabad ramps up diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
According to the Foreign Office, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty have arrived in Islamabad, while Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud is expected to join shortly.
The visit is taking place at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Officials said the visiting dignitaries will hold in-depth discussions on regional tensions, particularly efforts to de-escalate the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
The ministers are also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during their visit. The Foreign Office emphasized that Pakistan values its close ties with Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt, and the talks will further strengthen cooperation on matters of mutual interest.
Speaking separately, Dar said the meeting was originally planned in Turkiye but was shifted to Islamabad due to scheduling considerations. He noted that Pakistan is actively working to resolve regional disputes with sincerity and is receiving strong backing from friendly countries.
He confirmed that indirect communication between Washington and Tehran is ongoing through Pakistan, with support from Turkiye and Egypt. These diplomatic efforts include high-level contacts, including engagement involving Pakistan’s military leadership and US officials.
According to diplomatic sources, Pakistan has conveyed a US proposal to Iran, though details remain undisclosed. However, Iran has reportedly rejected the proposal, stating it would end the conflict on its own terms.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a lengthy phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during which he reiterated Pakistan’s condemnation of Israeli attacks on Iran and expressed solidarity with the Iranian people.
The prime minister also briefed the Iranian leader on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach aimed at facilitating dialogue and reducing tensions. In response, President Pezeshkian stressed the importance of trust-building to enable meaningful negotiations.
Officials say the high-level engagements in Islamabad reflect Pakistan’s growing role as a key mediator in efforts to bring stability to the region.
