Dar Signals Stronger Pakistan-Iran Ties as Envoy Heads to Tehran
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s intention to further strengthen relations with Iran as he met Pakistan’s ambassador-designate to Tehran, Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, before the envoy’s departure for his new diplomatic assignment. The meeting took place in Islamabad at a time when Pakistan’s regional diplomacy remains under sharp focus due to the wider Middle East crisis.
According to the Foreign Office, Dar reviewed Pakistan’s longstanding relationship with Iran and underlined the importance of maintaining steady diplomatic engagement between the two neighbours. He said the two countries share historical, cultural and fraternal links that continue to shape cooperation across multiple areas.
The discussions focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, connectivity, regional coordination and people-to-people exchanges. Dar stressed that Islamabad wanted to preserve the current momentum in Pakistan-Iran engagement through close coordination, mutual understanding and sustained communication between diplomatic channels.
The foreign minister expressed confidence that Ambassador-designate Imran Ahmed Siddiqui would play an important role in strengthening Pakistan’s partnership with Iran. He also wished the envoy success in his responsibilities and emphasised that Pakistan’s diplomatic representatives must actively support regional stability and constructive dialogue.
Separately, Dar also met Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Shafqat Ali Khan, on the sidelines of the Regional Envoys’ Conference in Islamabad. In that meeting, the foreign minister called for broader cooperation with the UAE and highlighted the need to facilitate the welfare of Pakistanis living and working in the Gulf state.
Pakistan’s relations with Iran have gained added significance amid the recent regional crisis involving Iran, Israel and the United States. Islamabad has repeatedly positioned itself as a supporter of diplomacy, dialogue and de-escalation, arguing that prolonged conflict could have serious consequences for regional security, energy markets and the wider Muslim world.
The latest diplomatic engagements also reflect Pakistan’s effort to balance bilateral ties with Iran and Gulf partners at a sensitive moment. Iran remains a key neighbour with shared border, trade and security concerns, while the Gulf states host millions of Pakistani workers and remain central to remittances, investment and energy cooperation.
For Pakistan, closer coordination with Iran could support border management, regional connectivity and economic engagement, particularly if tensions in the Middle East ease. At the same time, stronger communication with the UAE and other Gulf capitals may help Islamabad protect its diaspora interests and preserve its role as a diplomatic bridge in the region.
The next phase will depend on how Ambassador-designate Siddiqui advances Pakistan’s priorities in Tehran and whether regional tensions create fresh opportunities for dialogue. Islamabad is expected to continue using its diplomatic channels to support peace efforts while protecting Pakistan’s economic, security and strategic interests.