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Ishaq Dar Arrives in Riyadh, Urges Swift End to Middle East Conflict
Ishaq Dar lands in Riyadh to push for ceasefire in Middle East conflict, calling for dialogue as tensions escalate across the region.
ND
by News Desk
2026-03-18
Ishaq Dar Arrives in Riyadh, Urges Swift End to Middle East Conflict

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday to participate in a high-level consultative meeting of foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic countries, where he is expected to call for a swift end to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

According to the Foreign Office, Dar is attending the meeting at the invitation of Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The talks, scheduled from March 18 to 19, aim to address the rapidly evolving security situation in the region.

The conflict, which began following strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran in late February, has since escalated with retaliatory actions by Iran targeting US assets and bases across Gulf countries. The growing hostilities have raised concerns about wider regional instability.

Upon arrival in Riyadh, Dar was received by Pakistan’s Ambassador Ahmed Farooq and officials from the Saudi Foreign Ministry.

The Foreign Office stated that Dar would use the platform to reaffirm Pakistan’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of regional countries, while urging an immediate halt to hostilities.

“He will reiterate Pakistan’s call for a swift end to the ongoing conflict and emphasise the importance of dialogue and diplomacy,” the FO said in its statement.

Pakistan has positioned itself as a “bridge builder” amid the crisis, maintaining diplomatic engagement with multiple stakeholders. Dar is expected to highlight Islamabad’s outreach efforts and its willingness to play a constructive role in easing tensions.

The meeting is also being attended by key regional figures, including Hakan Fidan, reflecting the urgency of coordinated diplomatic efforts.

This visit marks the third high-level engagement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia since the conflict escalated.

Earlier this month, Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir held talks with Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud to discuss regional security developments.

Subsequently, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with the kingdom and commitment to regional peace and stability.

Saudi Arabia has been among the countries affected by Iran’s retaliatory actions, further intensifying the need for diplomatic intervention.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has maintained active diplomatic communication with multiple countries since the onset of the conflict. Both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Ishaq Dar have consistently called for de-escalation through dialogue.

In a recent development, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its support during the crisis, acknowledging Islamabad’s stance in favour of peace and stability.

As regional tensions continue to rise, Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts are expected to focus on promoting negotiations and preventing further escalation in an already volatile geopolitical environment.
Tagged:

SaudiArabia

IshaqDar

PakistanDiplomacy

MiddleEastCrisis
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