In call with Iranian FM, DPM Dar underscores need for sustained dialogue

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Friday underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and engagement to address outstanding issues, in order to advance regional peace and stability at the earliest, the Foreign Office said.

FM Dar said this in a telephonic conversation with Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi as the former received a call from the latter.

Both sides exchanged views on regional developments, the ceasefire, and ongoing diplomatic efforts being pursued by Islamabad in the context of US-Iran engagement.

FM Araghchi appreciated Pakistan’s consistent and constructive facilitation role in this regard, and both leaders agreed to remain in close contact.

As per an Iranian government’s X account, Iran’s FM also held a separate phone call with Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir and discussed regional developments and ceasefire-related issues. The post has been retweeted by FM Dar as well.

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The development takes place as Pakistan’s capital, for nearly a week, has been waiting for peace talks between the US and ​Iran to take place there, and although there is no sign the two sides will meet, large parts of the city ‌remain sealed off by authorities.

Key roads leading into Islamabad are shut down and a strict security cordon envelops the administrative centre, the so-called “Red Zone”. In the adjacent “Blue Area”, cafes have run out of fruit, markets are deserted, and with no service at bus terminals, weekend commuters are struggling to get home.

Government officials say the measures are not ending any time soon and that ​they are ever ready for delegates, including US President Donald Trump, to show up at a moment’s notice.

“We have been told that the ​talks could be held any day,” one official said.

The current lockdown is the second in two weeks. Islamabad was first sealed ⁠off for talks between the US and Iranian delegations on April 11, which ended without a deal. The city briefly reopened, then locked down again as Pakistan waits to ​host a second round that has yet to materialise.

Meanwhile, DPM Dar chaired a meeting with Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to review evolving regional and global dynamics.

Emphasising the importance of dialogue in addressing regional challenges, the DPM directed proactive and sustained engagement on all priority issues.

Separately, DPM Dar also held a telephonic conversation with Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov today.

The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and cooperation at multilateral fora in support of international peace and security. Engagement focused on dialogue, diplomacy and regional stability.

FM Lavrov appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States.

FM Dar underscored Pakistan’s resolve to continue contributing to efforts aimed at promoting dialogue and diplomacy to resolve all issues.

Reiterating the importance of maintaining regular high-level engagements, they discussed rescheduling of the visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Russia at an early mutually convenient date. DPM/FM also extended an invitation to FM Lavrov to visit Pakistan.

Both sides agreed to remain in touch.