Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Ishaq Dar, provided a detailed statement in the Senate regarding the recent attacks on Iran, the ensuing regional tensions, and Pakistan’s diplomatic stance. He emphasized that Iran had agreed not to develop nuclear weapons, and at the time of the attacks, negotiations between the U.S. and Iran were showing significant progress. Despite this, Iran was attacked, which Pakistan strongly condemned.

Iran’s Nuclear Program and Pakistan’s Position

Dar explained that Iran had committed to not developing nuclear weapons. Negotiations, with Oman serving as a mediator, were moving positively, and there were high hopes for a peaceful resolution. He stressed that Pakistan had consistently supported Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy. Conversely, the United States sought to completely eliminate Iran’s nuclear programs.

Pakistan, according to Dar, used its position effectively to advocate for diplomacy. Through its membership in the United Nations Security Council, Pakistan pushed for restraint and called for peaceful resolution mechanisms. The attacks on Iran, he argued, were premature and disregarded ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Pakistan’s Diplomatic Efforts

Dar elaborated that Pakistan maintained close communication with Iran throughout the crisis. He personally liaised with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Irakchi to coordinate a measured response and facilitate dialogue. This direct engagement, he said, helped ensure that Pakistan’s voice was heard and that the country’s stance on regional stability was clearly understood.

The Foreign Minister highlighted Pakistan’s proactive measures at the Security Council. On February 28, Pakistan convened an emergency Security Council session, condemning the attacks on Iran and advocating for regional calm. Dar noted that Pakistan’s vocal support for Iran led to expressions of appreciation in the Iranian parliament, where lawmakers chanted slogans in Pakistan’s favor, reflecting recognition of Pakistan’s principled position.

He stressed that Pakistan’s intervention was crucial in preventing further escalation and in promoting diplomatic channels as the first and most effective option. The message, Dar noted, was that international conflicts must be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy rather than unilateral military action.

Regional Implications and U.S. Actions

Dar criticized the U.S. and Israel for carrying out the attacks, noting that these actions created widespread insecurity for American and Israeli citizens in the region. Iran’s response involved attacks on U.S. military bases and airports in Gulf countries. While Pakistan advocated restraint, the attacks underscored how quickly localized conflicts could escalate into wider regional instability.

He also emphasized that the attacks violated principles of negotiation and diplomacy. Even as Iran maintained its commitment to non-proliferation, military actions were taken that disregarded positive developments in talks. According to Dar, this demonstrates that unilateral aggression can disrupt long-standing negotiation processes and increase the likelihood of unintended consequences.

Pakistan’s Neutral and Mediating Role

Pakistan positioned itself as a neutral mediator willing to assist both sides. Dar stated that Pakistan was prepared to facilitate dialogue in Islamabad, highlighting the country’s experience and credibility in the region. He maintained that Pakistan’s role is to promote peace and stability, ensuring that conflicts are resolved diplomatically rather than militarily.

Dar underscored that Pakistan’s consistent efforts were aimed at protecting both regional security and global norms. By advocating for restraint and dialogue, Pakistan sought to prevent a broader escalation that could have had disastrous consequences for the Middle East and beyond.

Achievements and International Recognition

The Foreign Minister pointed out a significant diplomatic success: for the first time in 12 years, a Security Council resolution in favor of Iran, calling for the lifting of certain restrictions, was passed with consensus. This was a result of Pakistan’s active diplomacy and strategic interventions.

Dar emphasized that Pakistan’s support for Iran’s right to a peaceful nuclear program was recognized internationally and helped strengthen Pakistan’s image as a responsible regional actor. The country’s advocacy for dialogue and non-violence was also a message to other states in the region about the importance of measured and calculated responses.

Call for Restraint and Global Stability

Finally, Dar stressed that the international community must prioritize stability and avoid actions that could exacerbate tensions. He warned that attacks and counterattacks can spiral out of control, impacting global peace and security. Pakistan’s position, therefore, was to act swiftly to prevent escalation and to urge all parties to exercise restraint.

He concluded by emphasizing that Pakistan’s actions, including the emergency Security Council session and direct communication with Iranian authorities, reflected a commitment to peaceful conflict resolution. Pakistan continues to monitor developments closely and is prepared to play a constructive role in de-escalating tensions while advocating for regional and international security.

Conclusion

In summary, Ishaq Dar’s statement reaffirmed Pakistan’s consistent diplomatic stance: supporting Iran’s peaceful nuclear program, condemning attacks that undermine ongoing negotiations, advocating for restraint among regional powers, and maintaining Pakistan’s role as a credible mediator. By promoting dialogue over military action, Pakistan seeks to preserve both regional stability and international norms.