ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has emphasized that Pakistan stands firmly with Saudi Arabia, asserting that the kingdom is a “no-go area” for Pakistan, and warning that no one should dare to target it.
Speaking at the International Message of Islam Conference in Islamabad, Dar said that although Israel had attacked Iran, Iran retaliated and targeted the Muslim states, attacking them by claiming American bases as their targets.
Dar further explained that Pakistan intervened in the situation to stop its escalation and informed Iran that “for Saudi Arabia, Pakistani lives are also on the line.” Dar explained that Pakistan’s defensive stand regarding Saudi Arabia is a very important milestone in the relationship.
“During the tension, Pakistan was able to secure a ceasefire between the disputing parties,” he said. “The next challenge now is to make it a permanent truce between America and Iran.”
As per him, safeguarding the interests of the Muslim Ummah is always the priority of Pakistan, which strives for better relations with all Muslim countries including Saudi Arabia.
Dar also praised Pakistan’s performance in Operation Marka-e-Haq, stating that divine support ensured Pakistan’s success and that no one can cast an envious eye on the country.
Pakistan thanks US, Iran for ceasefire, Islamabad talks at PM’s request: Ishaq Dar
On April 12, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday said Pakistan had helped facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States that led to a ceasefire, expressing hope that the positive momentum would pave the way for lasting peace in the region.
Speaking at the conclusion of the Islamabad Talks, Ishaq Dar thanked both countries for responding to a call by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for an immediate ceasefire and for accepting Pakistan’s invitation to hold peace negotiations in Islamabad.
According to the Foreign Office, the US delegation was led by Vice President JD Vance, while the Iranian side was headed by Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
Ishaq Dar said he, along with Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, mediated several rounds of “intense and constructive negotiations” between the two sides over the past 24 hours, which concluded earlier in the day.
On behalf of Pakistan, the deputy prime minister expressed appreciation to both delegations for acknowledging Islamabad’s efforts in facilitating the ceasefire and playing a mediatory role.
He emphasised that it was imperative for both parties to continue upholding their commitment to the ceasefire, adding that Pakistan would remain ready to facilitate further engagement and dialogue between Iran and the United States.
Ishaq Dar expressed hope that the constructive spirit shown during the talks would help achieve durable peace and prosperity in the region and beyond.
