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Ishaq Dar met Iran's foreign minister at the SCO meeting and urged restraint amid rising regional tensions. The exchange underlined Pakistan's bid to keep diplomacy alive and prevent a wider conflict.
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Islamabad,UPDATED: Jul 24, 2026 21:02 IST
Pakistan on Friday voiced concern over the recent tensions in West Asia and called for dialogue, restraint and de-escalation by all sides to secure peace and stability in the region.
The message was conveyed by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar during a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, according to Pakistan's Foreign Office.
The Foreign Office said the two ministers reaffirmed the close and longstanding ties between Pakistan and Iran and reviewed the evolving regional situation. Dar, who is also Pakistan's deputy prime minister, expressed "deep concern over recent regional tensions and underscored the importance of dialogue, restraint, de-escalation by all sides, and sustained diplomatic engagement to achieve lasting peace and stability", it said.
Pakistan, which had earlier mediated a ceasefire between the US and Iran, is also trying to prevent the collapse of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed last month between the two countries. The Islamabad MoU is a 14-point interim peace deal aimed at ending the war between Iran and the US.
The two countries have been engaged in hostilities over the past week, with the US attacking Iran and Tehran targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz and American assets in the region. The Foreign Office said Araghchi appreciated "Pakistan's continued diplomatic support and constructive efforts in promoting regional peace and security". He also thanked Pakistan for facilitating the safe return of Iranian fishermen and crew members, including those from vessels interdicted by the US.
Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination and regular consultations on issues of mutual interest, the Foreign Office said. They also reaffirmed their commitment to working together for regional peace, stability and shared prosperity, as Pakistan renewed its call for dialogue and de-escalation amid the continuing tensions.
With PTI Inputs
- Ends
Published By:
India Today Web Desk
Published On:
Jul 24, 2026 21:02 IST
