Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told Pakistan’s Senate on Tuesday that Iran had agreed not to pursue nuclear weapons, while the United States was seeking the complete dismantling of Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Speaking on the floor of the upper house of parliament, Dar highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to support regional stability amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, which has intensified after Israel’s attacks on Iran and Tehran’s missile and drone strikes targeting U.S. interests across the Gulf.
Dar said Pakistan fully backs Iran’s right to a peaceful nuclear programme and has engaged with regional and global partners to mediate tensions. He revealed that he held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stressing that while Iran agreed not to build nuclear weapons, the U.S. demanded Tehran dismantle its entire nuclear infrastructure.
Pakistan’s Role in Diplomacy and Mediation
The deputy premier detailed Pakistan’s active engagement, stating that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir played “very active and positive” roles in defence and diplomatic efforts.
Dar said he immediately contacted the Iranian Foreign Minister to condemn the attacks, and Pakistan conveyed condolences on the martyrdom of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Pakistan has been in contact with multiple countries, including Turkiye, Maldives, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman, facilitating dialogue and exploring peaceful solutions.
Dar emphasized that Pakistan has also used back-channel diplomacy, assuring Iran that Islamabad is working to prevent its soil from being dragged into the conflict. He recalled previous efforts, including meetings mediated in Turkiye and discussions led by the Chief of Army Staff, aimed at resolving tensions through negotiation.
Evacuations and Regional Security
Dar provided updates on the safety of Pakistani nationals in Iran, stating that approximately 35,000 Pakistanis remain in the country. So far, 792 Pakistanis have been evacuated through operational land routes at the Taftan-Zahedan border, even as airspace remains closed. Pakistan has coordinated with Saudi Arabia to provide assurances to Iran regarding its territorial safety.
He stressed that Pakistan’s responsibility is to maintain diplomatic engagement, reduce regional tensions, and ensure the safe return of citizens. Dar also announced that opposition and parliamentary leaders will receive detailed briefings on diplomatic and operational matters, with separate discussions planned regarding Afghanistan.
Conclusion
Dar described the situation as highly challenging, highlighting that the entire region faces a conflict-like environment. He reaffirmed that Pakistan remains fully committed to diplomacy, regional peace, and the protection of its nationals, while supporting Iran’s peaceful nuclear rights and encouraging continued dialogue between all parties involved.
