ISLAMABAD: The foreign ministers of Egypt and Turkiye have arrived in Islamabad to participate in a high-level four-nation conference aimed at resolving the ongoing tensions in the Middle East region. The conference will also focus on the possibility of a ceasefire with Iran. The conference will be chaired by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on March 29 and 30.
Dr. Sameh Shoukry, the Foreign Minister of Egypt, was warmly received at Islamabad airport. He arrived to participate in the conference of foreign ministers of the four nations at the invitation of Ishaq Dar. This was followed by the arrival of Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Islamabad. He was received by Additional Foreign Secretary of Afghanistan and Western Asia Syed Ali Asad Gilani.
The conference will be attended by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan.
The conference will mainly deal with the deteriorating security situation in the region, the situation in the Middle East region, and other issues of mutual interest. The key issues that will be discussed in the conference will include the measures to ensure security in the region, establishing peace in the region, and resolving the tensions with Iran.
Iran approves passage of 20 Pakistani ships through Strait of Hormuz, confirms Ishaq Dar
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has confirmed that Iran has agreed to permit 20 additional ships under the Pakistani flag to transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
Ishaq Dar shared this development on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. He said that Iran will allow two Pakistani vessels to pass through the Strait daily, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations.
The announcement is being hailed as a constructive and peaceful gesture by Iran, aimed at fostering regional stability and cooperation. According to Dar, the decision signals a “harbinger of peace” and will contribute to strengthening security in the region, which has long been a focal point of geopolitical tension.
“This is a welcome and constructive gesture by Iran and deserves appreciation,” Ishaq Dar wrote in his post. “It is a harbinger of peace and will help usher stability in the region.”
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important waterways, through which a significant portion of global oil trade passes. The move is expected to ease trade routes and provide economic benefits to Pakistan, improving its maritime access and facilitating smoother transit between the Gulf and international markets.
Ishaq Dar further emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving regional issues, underscoring that such confidence-building measures are essential for long-term peace and stability. “This positive announcement marks a meaningful step toward peace and will strengthen our collective efforts in that direction,” he stated.
