ISLAMABAD: A two-day quadrilateral meeting of foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt and Pakistan is underway in Islamabad to discuss regional developments and efforts to reduce tensions amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Pakistan has emerged as a key facilitator between Washington and Tehran, relaying messages between the two sides as diplomatic efforts intensify to end the conflict that began on February 28 and has impacted the wider Middle East.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty arrived in Islamabad earlier, while Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud also joined the talks.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar earlier confirmed that indirect contacts between the United States and Iran were underway through Pakistan, with Türkiye and Egypt also supporting the mediation process.
According to the White House, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir had direct contact with US President Donald Trump as part of the diplomatic outreach. Pakistan has also conveyed a US proposal to Tehran, though Iran has rejected it and outlined conditions for ending the conflict.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he held a detailed telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian focusing on de-escalation and dialogue. He reiterated Pakistan’s condemnation of Israeli attacks on Iran and expressed solidarity with the Iranian people.
Bilateral engagements
On the sidelines of the meeting, Ishaq Dar held separate meetings with his Egyptian and Turkish counterparts. Discussions focused on Middle East developments, bilateral cooperation and the need for restraint and diplomatic solutions.
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people and appreciated Egypt’s role in facilitating humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Both Pakistan and Egypt agreed to further strengthen cooperation across areas of mutual interest.
In his meeting with Hakan Fidan, the two sides reviewed regional developments and reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination and strengthening the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye.
Separately, Dar held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, stressing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to lasting peace and calling for an end to all attacks and hostilities.
Pakistan reiterated its commitment to supporting all efforts aimed at restoring regional peace and stability.