Govt reaffirms Gulf ties, regional peace push

ISLAMABAD: Pakis­tan on Monday reaffirmed its commitment to forging stronger economic cooperation with Gulf countries and continuing efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.

Continuing to play a role in moving diplomatic efforts forward, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke to Qatari PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul­rahman bin Jassim Al Thani and met Chinese envoy Jiang Zaidong in Islamabad.

Separately, PM Shehbaz while chairing a meeting with ambassadors to GCC member states and Iran emphasised on importance of the countries in Pakistan’s foreign policy. The meeting covered discussions on the regional and international situation, with particular focus on promoting peace, stability, and economic cooperation in the broader region.

He directed the ambassadors to Iran and GCC countries to work proactively on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy, people-to-people contacts etc.

Five-day moot of regional envoys concludes

Earlier, a five-day conference of Pakistan’s envoys posted in the Gulf and neighbouring region concluded on Monday.

Speaking at the closing session of the Regional Envoys’ Conference, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar underscored Pakistan’s “longstanding, historic and brotherly relations” with Gulf countries and reiterated Islamabad’s resolve to further deepen cooperation across political, economic and people-to-people sectors.

According to the Foreign Office, Mr Dar reviewed the deliberations and recommendations emerging from the conference and directed the FO, heads of missions and relevant ministries to maintain close coordination and ensure follow-up on the proposals discussed during the five-day consultations.

Mr Dar said Pakistan remained committed to enhancing economic engagement with regional partners while continuing to play what he described as a “constructive and facilitative role” for regional peace.

Additional input by Syed Irfan Raza

Published in Dawn, May 19th, 2026