Diplomatic flurry as Dar engages UAE, China and UK

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday intensified Pakistan's diplomatic outreach over the evolving regional crisis, holding separate engagements with the United Arab Emirates, China and the United Kingdom as Islamabad pushed for de-escalation and renewed dialogue between Iran and the United States. In a telephone call with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Dar stressed the urgent need for immediate de-escalation in the region, reiterating that dialogue and diplomacy remained the only viable path forward, according to the Foreign Office. The two ministers exchanged views on the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East and agreed to remain in close contact. Dar also expressed sorrow over the loss of lives, including three Pakistani nationals, in Iranian attacks on the UAE, and reaffirmed Pakistan's solidarity with the Gulf state. Both sides also exchanged Eid greetings, underscoring continued goodwill despite heightened regional tensions. Separately, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott called on the deputy prime minister in Islamabad, where discussions focused on the broader regional situation and the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. Dar reiterated that diplomacy and dialogue were the only workable solutions to prevent further escalation, while emphasising the importance of an early and peaceful resolution. In a separate engagement, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong also met the deputy prime minister, with discussions centred on the unfolding regional and global situation. Dar again underscored the urgent need for de-escalation in the Middle East through sustained diplomacy. The Foreign Office said Pakistan was actively pursuing diplomatic avenues to help bring an end to the ongoing conflict, while cautioning against speculation that could undermine sensitive backchannel efforts requiring discretion.