Pakistan remains “hopeful” despite US-Iran escalation and will continue pushing for dialogue

Pakistan says it remains hopeful despite renewed escalation between the United States and Iran, and will continue pressing for dialogue and diplomacy.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Islamabad had been leading efforts to end the war that began with US-Israeli attacks on Iran in February. Pakistan brokered a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran in April and signed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding as a mediator in June.

The April ceasefire ended the most intense fighting, but sporadic attacks, mainly around the Strait of Hormuz, have weakened prospects for a final peace agreement. Andrabi said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had discussed the changing regional situation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.

Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace through restraint, dialogue and diplomacy, while describing the Islamabad memorandum as the most viable route to lasting regional peace and stability. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, including an earlier meeting on the Middle East and Gulf situation in Istanbul during the Makkah summit.

Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s army and defence forces chief, visited Tehran the previous week as part of the diplomatic effort. Discussions focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, encouraging regional de-escalation and exploring a negotiated settlement.

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Pakistan remains hopeful.