KEY POINTS
- Pakistan’s Deputy PM held separate phone calls with Saudi foreign minister to discuss the Gaza situation.
- Talks focused on ceasefire efforts, humanitarian aid, and a lasting peace based on the two-state solution.
- Dar praised Saudi Arabia and Egypt’s constructive roles in regional diplomacy.
- Hamas has conditionally accepted key elements of Trump’s proposed Gaza peace plan.
- Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the Palestinian cause.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday held telephonic conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud to discuss the latest regional developments, particularly the situation in Gaza.
The two leaders reviewed the ongoing diplomatic efforts, including consultations among eight Arab-Islamic countries and the United States in New York, aimed at achieving an immediate and durable ceasefire, facilitating unhindered humanitarian aid, and working toward a comprehensive peace in Gaza, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said in a statement.
Deputy PM Dar appreciated the Saudi Foreign Minister’s continued engagement and constructive role in these efforts. They also discussed recent developments, including Hamas’s response to the proposal of US President Donald Trump.
Both Ministers reaffirmed their firm commitment to the Palestinian cause and agreed to remain closely engaged with Arab and Islamic partners, as well as the international community, to advance a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace based on the two-state solution, according to the Foreign Office statement.
Earlier, Hamas announced its conditional acceptance of key elements of US President Donald Trump’s proposal, including the release of hostages and the start of negotiations to end nearly two years of Israeli bombardment. The Palestinian group sought further negotiations on details and a role in shaping Gaza’s future.
Following Hamas’s statement, Trump urged Israel to immediately halt its bombardment of Gaza, raising hopes for a possible shift toward de-escalation.
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, held a telephone conversation with His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud @FaisalbinFarhan, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia.
The two leaders discussed regional developments,… pic.twitter.com/BdES5qE7GC
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 4, 2025
While the Palestinian group’s response has been seen as a potential breakthrough, issues such as disarmament remain unresolved.
Pakistan, Egypt commit to lasting peace in Gaza
Earlier on Saturday, Pakistan’s Deputy PM Dar held a telephone conversation with the Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty. During the call, both sides agreed to remain engaged and aligned in their efforts to help achieve a just and lasting peace in Gaza, Pakistan’s Foreign Office stated.
The two top diplomats exchanged views on key matters of bilateral relations and regional developments, particularly the grave situation in Gaza.
They discussed ongoing diplomatic efforts, including consultations held among Arab and Islamic countries in New York, aimed at securing an immediate and durable ceasefire, ensuring unhindered humanitarian assistance, and advancing collective initiatives to achieve lasting peace in Gaza.
Deputy PM Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for these efforts and noted Pakistan’s welcoming of recent developments, including Hamas’ response to the proposed peace plan, which offers hope for an end to the bloodshed.
He also extended an invitation to the Egyptian Foreign Minister to visit Pakistan in the near future, which he graciously accepted.
Both sides agreed to remain engaged and aligned in their efforts to help achieve a just and lasting peace in Gaza.
Trump’s Gaza peace proposal
Hamas on Friday said it was ready to release all hostages and begin talks on implementing Trump’s ceasefire plan, which calls for an immediate halt to hostilities, the release of captives within 72 hours, a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and Hamas’s disarmament.
The plan also envisions the formation of a technocratic administration to govern Gaza under a post-war transitional authority, overseen by Trump himself.
Trump, reacting to Hamas’s announcement, urged Israel to “immediately stop the bombing of Gaza” to facilitate the safe release of hostages and move toward “a lasting peace.”
The appeal came as Israeli forces continued operations in Gaza City despite international calls for restraint, and as humanitarian agencies warned of deteriorating conditions amid severe shortages of food, medicine, and shelter.
Regional and international reactions
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday welcomed signs of progress towards a ceasefire, praising Trump and regional leaders for their mediation efforts.
In a post on X, PM Sharif said Pakistan “has always stood by the Palestinian people and shall always do so,” describing Hamas’s response as “a window for peace that we must not allow to close again.”
He expressed gratitude to Trump and the leadership of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkiye, Jordan, Egypt, and Indonesia for their engagement on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk described the latest developments as “a vital opportunity to halt the bloodshed and end the suffering of millions in Gaza once and for all.”
Israel continues Gaza bombardment
Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza following Hamas’s October 2023 attacks. According to figures from Gaza’s Health Ministry, which the United Nations considers credible, at least 66,244 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began.
Despite mounting international pressure, Israeli forces continue to carry out air and ground operations across the territory.
On Saturday, Gaza’s civil defence agency reported dozens of overnight strikes in Gaza City, killing several civilians.
