ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told the Senate on Tuesday that Iran had agreed not to acquire nuclear weapons, while the United States was seeking the complete dismantling of Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Briefing parliamentarians on Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement following the recent escalation in the Middle East, Dar said he conveyed Iran’s position during a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to Dar, Iran had indicated it would not pursue nuclear weapons, but Washington was demanding the full termination of its nuclear programme.
The Middle East conflict has intensified in recent days, with Israel launching strikes inside Iran and Tehran responding with missile and drone attacks targeting what it described as US interests and bases in Gulf states.
Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement
Addressing the upper house, Dar said Pakistan had worked to ensure that Iran’s right to pursue a peaceful nuclear programme was acknowledged under international norms. He stated that Islamabad was prepared to facilitate mediation between the United States and Iran if required.
Dar said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir had played an active role in diplomatic and defence-level contacts during the crisis.
He told senators that he had contacted the Iranian foreign minister soon after the attacks and strongly condemned the strikes. The prime minister also conveyed condolences on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan over the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Dar said he had spoken with foreign ministers from Turkiye, Maldives, Bangladesh, Iran, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman to coordinate diplomatic efforts.
According to Dar, the Omani foreign minister informed him that talks between Tehran and Washington had been making progress before the recent escalation.
Regional security and evacuation efforts
The deputy prime minister said Iran had sought assurances that its territory would not be used against it, and Pakistan conveyed such assurances. He added that Saudi Arabia also provided similar assurances.
Dar informed the Senate that approximately 35,000 Pakistanis are currently in Iran. He said 792 Pakistanis had been evacuated so far. While airspace remained closed, land routes through the Taftan-Zahedan border were operational, allowing citizens to return by road.
He described the regional situation as highly challenging and said Pakistan would continue diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.
Pakistan actively pursuing diplomacy to ease Middle East tensions, says Dar
A further detailed briefing for parliamentary leaders was scheduled for the following day.
Dar said Pakistan’s position was guided by its responsibility to safeguard regional stability and protect its citizens amid the ongoing crisis.
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