By Our Diplomatic Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has emphasised that dialogue is essential for lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.
In a statement issued from the federal capital, President Zardari expressed concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East, warning that the situation in the region could spiral out of control and pose a threat to millions of innocent lives.
He urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and stressed the need for a peaceful path through dialogue and diplomacy.
The president stated that dialogue is crucial for enduring peace and stability in the Middle East, and called on the international community to play its role in resolving the crisis. He emphasised that global efforts are vital for the region’s stability and the well-being of its people.
Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
In a statement issued on Sunday, he urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and choose dialogue and diplomacy to ensure enduring peace and stability in the region. The President warned that escalating tensions can spiral out of control with serious consequences for millions of innocent people.
He called upon the international community to play its role in de-escalating the crisis for regional stability and well-being of the people in the region.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called a key meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) tomorrow (Monday), sources confirmed. The meeting will be attended by both military and civilian leadership. According to sources, Field Marshal Asim Munir will brief participants on his recent visit to the United States.
The meeting is expected to include detailed consultations on the escalating Iran-US tensions, with possible major decisions regarding support for Iran and other strategic matters. Key attendees will include Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and other top officials.
Earlier, Pakistan has strongly condemned the recent US attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, calling them a clear violation of international law.
In a statement, the Foreign Office said Iran has the right to self-defence under the UN Charter. It expressed deep concern over rising regional tensions and violence, urging that the protection of civilian lives and property must be ensured.
The spokesperson emphasized that escalating conflict could have serious regional and global repercussions. Pakistan called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law, stressing that dialogue and diplomacy under the UN Charter remain the only path to resolution.
Meanwhile, speaking at the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Istanbul, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar strongly condemned Israel’s aggression against Iran. He said Israel’s actions are grave violations of international law and pose a threat to global peace.
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support for Iran’s right to self-defense under the UN Charter, criticized the double standards often applied in Israel’s case, and warned that regional peace must not be jeopardized. He reiterated that dialogue is the only way forward to resolve the Iran-Israel conflict. Pakistan, he said, remains committed to all efforts for regional peace and stability and will continue to play its part in promoting peace.
