By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan has stepped up high-level diplomatic engagement as tensions continue to mount across the Middle East following the US and Israel’s attacks on Iran and subsequent retaliatory strikes affecting several Gulf states.

 

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation on Monday with Ahmed al-Sharaa, President of the Syrian Arab Republic. The two leaders discussed what they described as a “dangerous regional escalation,” emphasizing the urgent need for restraint, de-escalation, and dialogue to safeguard regional peace and stability.

 

Prime Minister Sharif briefed the Syrian leader on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach and reaffirmed Islamabad’s readiness to play a constructive role in restoring calm.

 

Developments in Afghanistan also featured in the discussion, alongside a reaffirmation of longstanding ties between Pakistan and Syria.

 

In separate engagements, Prime Minister Sharif expressed solidarity with Gulf nations impacted by the widening conflict.

 

In a conversation with Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait, he conveyed condolences over the loss of lives resulting from attacks during the ongoing crisis.

 

He reiterated Pakistan’s full solidarity with the Kuwaiti people and stressed the need for an immediate return to diplomacy.

 

Sharif also spoke with Haitham bin Tariq, Sultan of Oman, praising Muscat’s longstanding efforts to mediate regional disputes and promote dialogue. Both leaders agreed on preventing further escalation and restoring diplomatic channels to ensure lasting peace.

 

- Foreign Minister engages global and regional partners

 

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar undertook a series of consultations with regional and international counterparts.

 

Dar spoke with EU High Representative/Vice President Kaja Kallas, emphasizing dialogue and de-escalation while also briefing her on rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The EU’s constructive engagement was appreciated during the exchange.

 

He also held discussions with, Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister of Oman, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi of Qatar, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani, Foreign Minister of Bahrain, Fuad Hussein, Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.

 

In each interaction, Pakistan underscored the importance of restraint, protection of sovereignty, and a coordinated diplomatic push to contain the crisis.

 

Additionally, Dar met with Jiang Zaidong, Ambassador of China to Pakistan, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to dialogue and continued consultations with Beijing on regional developments.

 

In an official press release, Pakistan condemned what it termed “unwarranted attacks” against Iran while also strongly condemning Iranian strikes on Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Islamabad described such actions as violations of sovereignty and urged all parties to adhere to international law and the principles of the UN Charter.

 

Pakistan also confirmed the death of a Pakistani national in the UAE during the hostilities and called for maximum restraint to prevent further civilian casualties.

 

- Afghanistan tensions also in focus

 

Separately, Foreign Minister Dar briefed Islamabad-based diplomats on Pakistan’s evolving security situation with Afghanistan. He cited what Pakistan described as an unprovoked armed attack along the border and reiterated that Pakistan’s response was “measured and precise” to counter cross-border militancy.

 

Dar also expressed condolences over the reported martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader and reiterated Pakistan’s consistent call for de-escalation and diplomacy.

 

Pakistan’s diplomatic flurry reflects a careful balancing act: condemning violence against Iran while simultaneously denouncing Iranian strikes on Gulf states, many of which maintain close ties with Islamabad.

 

With tensions threatening to engulf the broader region, Pakistani officials say their priority remains preventing further escalation and encouraging a return to negotiations before the crisis deepens further.