Pakistan FM speaks to Chinese counterpart amid mediation push

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister Ishaq Dar said he had spoken with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi as Islamabad seeks to facilitate talks between the United States and Iran.

Pakistan earlier this week conveyed a 15-point proposal from Washington to Tehran outlining conditions for a ceasefire, but Iran rejected the demands as “maximalist” and presented its own terms.

US President Donald Trump has said he is delaying plans to strike Iran’s power facilities by 10 days, until April 6, to allow space for diplomatic efforts.

“We reaffirmed the need to restore peace and stability in the Middle East and the wider region,” Dar said in a post on X, adding both sides agreed to support efforts for an immediate end to hostilities, resumption of peace talks, protection of civilians, and adherence to the UN Charter.

Dar said Wang expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s role and support for its efforts in this regard.