WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday that Islamabad is firmly committed to its longstanding position on Palestine and Gaza, stressing that the country’s stance towards Israel would not change until an independent Palestinian state is established.
Dar made the remarks during a press conference at Pakistan’s embassy in Washington following his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
“Pakistan remains constantly steadfast on its position on Palestine and Gaza,” he said, adding that Israel “must move towards the establishment of a Palestinian state for any change in Pakistan’s stance on Israel”.
Dar expressed optimism that Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts would contribute to achieving comprehensive peace in the Middle East.
“Pakistan cannot compromise its role as a mediator by divulging details of the talks because we are deeply invested in the peace process,” he said.
Dar said Washington “deeply appreciates” Pakistan’s efforts aimed at easing tensions between Iran and the United States, noting that this recognition was conveyed during his meeting with the US secretary of state.
The foreign minister said he and his team, which included Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, were “very satisfied” with their talks with Secretary Rubio.
“We are the mediators and, as such, we are required to maintain secrecy,” he said, adding that both the Americans and the Iranians appreciated Pakistan’s approach.
Dar said it was not only the United States and Iran but also countries across the globe that were appreciating Pakistan’s efforts.
“The mediation has brought global recognition for us, as did our victory against India [in May 2025],” he added.
Dar said that the first ceasefire between Washington and Tehran became possible due to Pakistan, adding that the latest truce was also achieved with Islamabad’s efforts.
He added that Pakistan had gained a “new identity on the global horizon” under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
Dar said Qatar, Oman and several other countries had also shown interest in hosting the talks, but Pakistan was ultimately chosen because of its close and friendly relations with all parties involved in the conflict.
The Deputy Prime Minsiter travelled to New York earlier this week to take part in a China-sponsored discussion at the United Nations Security Council focused on the role of the UN in resolving global conflicts.
