Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is set to visit Riyadh on Wednesday to attend a key meeting of regional foreign ministers, where he will call for a “swift end” to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
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According to the Foreign Office of Pakistan, Dar will participate in the meeting at the invitation of Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud from March 18 to 19.
During the discussions, Dar is expected to reiterate Pakistan’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of regional countries, while urging an immediate halt to hostilities and a return to dialogue and diplomacy.
The conflict, which began following joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28, has since escalated with retaliatory attacks targeting US assets and Gulf states.
Pakistan has positioned itself as a “bridge builder” amid the crisis, with Dar expected to highlight Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts and willingness to play a constructive role in de-escalation.
The meeting will also be attended by Hakan Fidan, the foreign minister of Turkey, as regional powers seek coordinated responses to the evolving situation.
The visit marks the third high-level engagement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia since tensions escalated. Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s support during the crisis.
Pakistan’s leadership has consistently called for restraint and diplomatic engagement, amid fears that the conflict could further destabilise the region.
