In the midst of growing tensions between global powers and conflicts in different parts of the world, which pose a serious threat to global stability, Pakistan has proved to be a principled and proactive player in the field of diplomacy. This is evident from the recent meeting of the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt in Islamabad on March 29, 2026.
During the meeting, the ministers pledged their full support for Pakistan’s initiative to arrange direct peace talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad. They stated that “dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to achieving lasting peace” and underscored the pressing need to prevent further military escalation.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, addressed the meeting regarding the prospects for US-Iran relations, indicating that both countries were confident in Pakistan’s role as a facilitator. The meeting also resulted in the formation of a committee comprising senior officials from the four countries to enhance coordination and cooperation, while expressing concern about the humanitarian and economic consequences of the conflict. This meeting is part of Pakistan’s broader shuttle diplomacy efforts under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with the country acting as a neutral host in the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
This move becomes even more significant when viewed in the context of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s recent appreciation of Pakistan’s mediation efforts. In a lengthy phone conversation with Prime Minister Sharif, Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its constructive intervention in attempts to halt the war, emphasizing the importance of mutual trust in paving the way for dialogue. He also praised Pakistani diplomacy, stating that Islamabad has sincerely attempted to resolve the conflict through diplomatic means, such as acting as a messenger between Washington and Tehran, as well as involving Gulf nations.
What sets Pakistan’s efforts apart is its status as a responsible middle power. With cultural, religious, and historical links to Iran on one hand and the Arab world on the other, through shared bonds of Islamic brotherhood, Pakistan has also maintained positive relations with the West, particularly the United States. Unlike other countries that merely issue declarations from afar, Pakistan has been actively engaging in diplomacy by holding meetings, practicing shuttle diplomacy, and creating space for dialogue. The fact that these four countries—particularly Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Türkiye—are major regional players adds further weight to the initiative.
The result of this trust is evident in Iran agreeing to allow safe passage for 20 additional Pakistani-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, with two vessels passing daily. According to Foreign Minister Dar, this is a “welcome and constructive step towards peace.” The Strait of Hormuz accounts for 25% of the world’s oil trade, and disruptions have already taken a toll on global energy supplies. By keeping these channels open for Pakistan, Iran has taken a positive step in supporting mediation efforts, which may help ease current economic pressures.
The rationale behind Pakistan’s actions can be understood in terms of pragmatism. Pakistan has its own internal challenges to contend with; yet, despite these pressures, it remains committed to regional stability. This commitment, in turn, helps ensure the security of global energy supplies, which are vital to many economies beyond Pakistan.
While this is not the first time Pakistan has been involved in mediation diplomacy, the scope of its current engagement indicates its transformation into an essential stakeholder. Through these efforts, Pakistan is demonstrating that principled diplomacy—based on trust, shared values, and strategic interest—can produce positive outcomes where great powers often fall short. The creation of the coordination committee, along with strong support from regional heavyweights, has helped institutionalize these efforts.
The world is witnessing Islamabad’s leadership by example and its demonstration of the capacity of middle powers to bridge divides and prevent escalation. As long as Islamabad sustains its balanced and proactive diplomacy, it will remain an essential stakeholder in global peace efforts.
