Pakistan expresses deep concern over Middle East tensions, urges dialogue

Pakistan on Sunday voiced deep concern over the recent escalation in Middle East tensions, calling on all sides to exercise restraint and uphold their commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The renewed violence casts further doubt on the future of an interim US-Iran Islamabad MoU signed last month that aimed to reopen the strait and end the war after a further 60 days of negotiations.

In the past week, US President Donald Trump has said he considers the ceasefire over, while leaving the door open to more talks.

In a statement issued today, the Foreign Office reiterated Pakistan’s strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all brotherly countries in the region.

“Pakistan reiterates its strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all brotherly countries in the region, and urges all sides to exercise restraint, take immediate steps towards de-escalation, and uphold respective commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU),” the foreign ministry said.

The Foreign Office said that Pakistan remained committed to supporting efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy.

“On its part, Pakistan remains committed to providing all support towards achieving lasting peace and stability in the region through dialogue and diplomacy,” the FO statement added.

The FO statement came hours after Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi exchanged views on the evolving regional situation.

Dar told his counterpart that dialogue and diplomacy remained the only viable path to resolving disputes and ensuring lasting peace.

DPM Dar also urged all parties to pursue de-escalation and exercise restraint in line with the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding agreed in June.

The Foreign Office said both leaders agreed to remain in close contact.

— With additional input from Reuters