Dar Meets UN Chief as Pakistan Pushes Middle East Peace
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York as Pakistan intensified diplomatic outreach over the worsening Middle East crisis, a development that has placed Islamabad’s mediation role back in the international spotlight.
The meeting took place amid renewed concerns that the fragile ceasefire around Iran could come under pressure after Tehran accused Washington of violating the truce through fresh strikes near the Strait of Hormuz. The situation has raised fears of a wider regional confrontation with possible consequences for energy markets, maritime trade and diplomatic stability.
Dar briefed the UN chief on Pakistan’s position, including Islamabad’s claim that its earlier efforts helped facilitate a ceasefire and opened a channel for dialogue. He also referred to the Islamabad Talks held in April, describing them as an important diplomatic opening at a time when direct engagement between the parties had become increasingly difficult.
According to the Foreign Office, Dar appreciated Guterres’ support for peace initiatives and his principled approach to conflict resolution. The UN secretary-general, in turn, acknowledged Pakistan’s continued engagement at the United Nations and its contributions to international peace and security, including diplomacy and peacekeeping.
The discussions were not limited to the Middle East. Dar also raised South Asian security concerns, criticising what Pakistan views as provocative statements from Indian officials and reiterating Islamabad’s stance that the Indus Waters Treaty must not be politicised or placed in abeyance. He also renewed Pakistan’s position that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains central to lasting regional peace.
Pakistan has sought to frame itself as a diplomatic bridge during the current crisis, arguing that sustained dialogue is the only route to regional stability. Islamabad’s outreach has included calls for restraint, support for multilateral diplomacy and coordination with partners at the UN as tensions in the Gulf and wider Middle East continue to test global institutions.
Dar also discussed Afghanistan, warning that militant groups using Afghan soil against Pakistan remain a serious security challenge. He said Pakistan would continue to defend its citizens and national security within the framework of international law and the UN Charter.
On Palestine, the deputy prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Palestinian self-determination and a two-state solution. He welcomed the UN secretary-general’s advocacy for peace in Gaza and stressed that the humanitarian crisis must remain a priority for the international community.
The meeting signals that Pakistan intends to keep its diplomatic campaign active at the United Nations while regional tensions remain unresolved. With the ceasefire still vulnerable and major powers divided, Islamabad is expected to continue pressing for dialogue, conflict prevention and broader support for negotiated settlements.