Islamabad – Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani has commended Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, following a phone call with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday. The conversation underscores Pakistan’s increasingly prominent role as a mediator amid heightened anxieties stemming from recent exchanges between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The call took place against a backdrop of escalating regional instability. Tensions surged last month following strikes attributed to Israel that resulted in the deaths of senior Iranian military officials, including figures linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran responded with retaliatory attacks targeting military installations in Iraq and, according to reports, directly targeting Israel, raising fears of a wider conflict. The situation remains volatile, with both sides signaling a willingness to continue responding to perceived provocations.
Pakistan has been actively engaged in diplomatic outreach, positioning itself as a potential facilitator for dialogue between Washington and Tehran. This effort reflects a broader concern within Islamabad regarding the potential economic and security ramifications of a prolonged conflict in the region, particularly concerning energy supplies and trade routes vital to Pakistan’s economy. The country’s geographic location and existing relationships with both Iran and the United States provide a unique opportunity to serve as a neutral intermediary.
Qatar Applauds Pakistan’s Mediation Role
According to a statement released by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on X (formerly Twitter), Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s “ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy.” The Qatari premier and Foreign Minister Dar discussed prevailing regional and international developments, with both leaders emphasizing the urgent need for de-escalation. The statement also reaffirmed the “deep-rooted ties” between Pakistan and Qatar, signaling a continued commitment to close collaboration on matters of mutual interest.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke with Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani @PM_AlThani_.
The two leaders discussed prevailing regional and… pic.twitter.com/GzQsYSRjyf
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 28, 2026
Expanding Diplomatic Efforts
Pakistan’s diplomatic push extends beyond Qatar and the United States. Foreign Minister Dar also held a telephone conversation with his Indonesian counterpart, Sugiono, discussing regional and international developments, as well as bilateral cooperation. “Reaffirming strong fraternal ties between Pakistan and Indonesia, they agreed to remain in close contact,” according to another MOFA statement on X. This outreach to Indonesia, a significant Muslim-majority nation and a key player in regional affairs, highlights Pakistan’s ambition to build a broader coalition for peace.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephone conversation today with the Foreign Minister of Indonesia, Sugiono @Menlu_RI.
They discussed regional & international developments, as well as bilateral matters of mutual interest.… pic.twitter.com/G3DBnXrbkZ
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 28, 2026
High-Level Visits to Islamabad
Further demonstrating Pakistan’s central role in these diplomatic efforts, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt are scheduled to visit Islamabad from March 29 to 30, at the invitation of Foreign Minister Dar. This gathering of key regional players underscores the urgency of the situation and Pakistan’s growing influence as a potential mediator. These nations, like Pakistan, are acutely vulnerable to disruptions in energy supplies and trade routes should the conflict escalate.
Pakistan’s involvement in seeking a resolution to the current crisis began in earnest after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly offered Pakistan as a venue for potential peace talks between the United States and Iran. This offer received an unexpected boost when former U.S. President Donald Trump reposted Sharif’s statement on his Truth Social platform, a move widely interpreted in Islamabad as tacit endorsement of Pakistan’s mediation efforts.
Indirect Communication Underway
On Thursday, Foreign Minister Dar confirmed that indirect communication between the U.S. And Iran is currently underway, with Pakistan acting as a conduit for messages. He stated that Türkiye and Egypt are also assisting in these diplomatic efforts, aimed at easing tensions and preventing further escalation. Pakistan reportedly conveyed a U.S. Proposal to Tehran seeking a path toward de-escalation, and Iranian officials have indicated a willingness to consider negotiations, potentially hosted in either Pakistan or Türkiye.
The current situation remains fluid and complex. Whereas the diplomatic initiatives led by Pakistan and supported by regional partners offer a glimmer of hope, the potential for miscalculation and further escalation remains significant. The international community is closely watching Pakistan’s efforts, recognizing the country’s unique position and its commitment to fostering peace and stability in the region.
The next key development to watch will be the arrival of the foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt in Islamabad on March 29th. Their discussions with Pakistani officials are expected to focus on strategies for de-escalation and potential pathways for direct dialogue between the United States and Iran.
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