US–Iran talks date yet to be set as Pakistan continues push for de-escalation: FO

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office (FO) on Thursday said that no date has yet been finalised for the next round of United States–Iran talks, even as Pakistan continues to play an active diplomatic role aimed at sustaining regional stability and encouraging further dialogue between the two sides.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan remains “actively engaged” in efforts to promote peace in the region, adding that Islamabad has consistently supported initiatives aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East and facilitating constructive engagement between rival parties.

According to the Foreign Office, Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach has included high-level engagements with key regional and international stakeholders in recent weeks, reflecting what officials describe as a sustained effort to support de-escalation following recent tensions.

Pakistan’s mediation role in focus amid ongoing regional diplomacy

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who departed from Medina earlier in the day, is scheduled to hold talks in Doha with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The meeting is expected to cover regional developments, including ongoing diplomatic efforts related to Iran–US engagement and broader Middle East stability.

In parallel diplomatic activity, Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Tehran a day earlier, underscoring Pakistan’s simultaneous outreach to multiple regional capitals as part of its broader peace initiative. Officials say such engagements are aimed at maintaining open channels of communication amid a volatile regional environment.

The Foreign Office said Pakistan has played a “key role” in facilitating recent peace efforts, including diplomatic contacts that helped support a ceasefire arrangement in the region. It added that both US and Iranian delegations had met Pakistan’s prime minister and senior military leadership last week during separate interactions in Islamabad, where they reportedly appreciated Pakistan’s hospitality and facilitative role.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his team were also actively involved in organising and supporting the negotiations process, with officials describing Pakistan’s role as one of coordination and diplomatic bridge-building between the concerned parties.

Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach has extended beyond the immediate region. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently visited Saudi Arabia, where he briefed the leadership on Pakistan’s peace efforts. The Saudi leadership, along with the Emir of Qatar, the German Chancellor, and the Italian Prime Minister, have reportedly held telephone conversations with the Pakistani premier in which they appreciated Islamabad’s role in promoting regional stability.

Global recognition of Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach

Separately, Ishaq Dar has held multiple telephonic exchanges with foreign ministers from various countries, during which several counterparts acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement and contributions toward de-escalation efforts.

The Foreign Office also reiterated Pakistan’s concerns over regional security developments, including condemnation of Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon on April 9, which it described as a threat to regional peace and stability. Islamabad urged the international community to take notice of actions it believes undermine efforts toward lasting calm in the Middle East.

Pakistan further reiterated its position on regional issues, including allegations against India regarding involvement in terrorism-related incidents and condemnation of actions in Indian-administered Kashmir. It called on the international community to address ongoing human rights concerns in the region and criticised what it described as extremist narratives contributing to instability.

Reaffirming its foreign policy stance, Pakistan said it will continue to extend moral, political, and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir while also raising concerns over reported violence against minorities in India.

Officials said Pakistan’s broader diplomatic agenda remains focused on promoting peace, encouraging dialogue, and strengthening international cooperation to prevent further escalation in already fragile regions.