ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China on Tuesday discussed ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the Middle East conflict, emphasising the need for dialogue and diplomacy amid escalating regional tensions.
The discussion took place during a meeting between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, who called on the Deputy PM.
During the meeting, discussions focused on the unfolding regional and global developments, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
Deputy PM Dar underscored the urgent need to promote de-escalation in the Middle East and the wider region through dialogue and diplomacy.
Reiterating the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, they agreed to maintain close cooperation on issues of mutual interest, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs added.
Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong called on the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 today. Discussions focused on the unfolding regional and global developments.
DPM/FM underscored the urgent need to promote de-escalation in the Middle… pic.twitter.com/WNKIXd4xs4
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 24, 2026
Pakistan offers to host US-Iran talks
Earlier today, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad stands ready to host “meaningful and conclusive talks” between the US and Iran to help end the ongoing conflict.
PM Sharif said that Pakistan welcomes and fully supports ongoing efforts to pursue dialogue to end the Middle East war, in the interest of peace and stability in the region and beyond.
“Subject to concurrence by the US and Iran, Pakistan stands ready and honoured to be the host to facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict,” PM Sharif said in a statement posted on X.
Pakistan welcomes and fully supports ongoing efforts to pursue dialogue to end the WAR in Middle East, in the interest of peace and stability in region and beyond. Subject to concurrence by the US and Iran, Pakistan stands ready and honoured to be the host to facilitate…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) March 24, 2026
Soon, US President Donald Trump also shared a screenshot of PM Sharif’s statement on his Truth Social platform.
Meanwhile, Pakistan reiterated its commitment to resolving the ongoing Middle East conflict through diplomatic engagement, amid continuing hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan’s position remained consistent with its longstanding policy of supporting peaceful resolution through diplomatic means and engagements. The spokesperson added that certain matters should be advanced with discretion.
“Diplomacy and negotiations often require that certain matters be advanced with discretion,” the spokesperson said.
He urged the media to avoid speculation and wait for official announcements on any developments. “The media is therefore encouraged to refrain from speculation and to await official announcements regarding decisions and outcomes.”
Pakistan emphasises diplomacy
Earlier today, Ishaq Dar and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan also exchanged views on the evolving regional situation.
During the telephone conversation, Dar underscored the importance of peace and stability, calling for immediate de-escalation and emphasising that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path forward, according to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
DPM/FM Senator @MIshaqDar50 spoke with UAE’s DPM/FM H.H. Sheikh @ABZayed.
They exchanged views on the evolving regional situation. DPM/FM underscored the importance of peace and stability, calling for immediate de-escalation and emphasizing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the… pic.twitter.com/jOdR7SCqzo
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 24, 2026
Earlier today, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.
During the telephone conversation, Wang Yi called on all parties to the conflict in the Middle East to seize every opportunity and window for peace and start peace talks as soon as possible, China’s official Xinhua news agency reported.
According to international media reports, Pakistan has intensified diplomatic efforts to resolve the US-Iran conflict through diplomacy and prevent further escalation.
Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts
On Monday, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
During the telephone conversation, Dar stressed the importance of dialogue to promote peace, security, and stability in the region and beyond, the Foreign Office statement said.
The two leaders discussed recent regional developments. They also agreed to remain in close contact on the evolving situation.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephone conversation this evening with the Foreign Minister of Iran, Abbas Araghchi @Araghchi.
They discussed recent regional developments. DPM/FM emphasized the importance of dialogue &… pic.twitter.com/iFQPLO58Fn
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 23, 2026
Earlier, US President Donald Trump said there is a “real possibility” of reaching a deal with Iran and that Tehran is eager to secure an agreement, while reiterating that any failure in negotiations would lead to continued military action.
According to a report by the Financial Times, Pakistan has emerged as a potential diplomatic bridge in the US-Iran conflict.
Officials familiar with the discussions, cited by the Financial Times, said that Islamabad has proposed hosting talks between senior US and Iranian figures, possibly as early as this week.
The initiative is being driven by Pakistan’s unique position — maintaining ties with Tehran while also enjoying a working relationship with Donald Trump.
Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir held a conversation with Trump on Sunday, White House confirmed. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday.
The diplomatic outreach coincided with Trump announcing a temporary pause in threats to strike Iran’s power plants, citing “very good and productive” conversations aimed at ending the war.
However, the White House declined to provide details, stating that sensitive negotiations would not be conducted through the media.
