President Asif Ali Zardari will chair a high-level meeting today to discuss the ongoing Middle East crisis and Pakistan’s mediation efforts, with participation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, senior federal ministers, military officials, and provincial leaders.
Yesterday, a key meeting of foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt was held in Islamabad to advance peace in the region. The four countries emphasized a US-Iran ceasefire and called for an end to tensions in the Middle East.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar highlighted Pakistan’s proactive role, stating that Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, with China also backing Islamabad’s constructive mediation.
Dar stressed that the ongoing regional tension benefits no one and that sovereignty and security must be respected in line with the UN Charter.
Objectives of today’s presidency meeting
Sources indicate that today’s meeting will:
- Review the current situation in the Middle East, including the Iran-US-Israel conflict and recent attacks on Gulf countries.
- Assess progress on Pakistan’s mediation efforts and possible US-Iran negotiations.
- Discuss national preparedness, including petroleum reserves, shipments, and energy security measures.
- Examine domestic austerity policies and potential subsidies for motorcycle and rickshaw drivers.
A committee of senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been tasked with deciding the future course of action through mutual consultation, strengthening cooperation among the four brotherly countries.
Pakistan’s role as peace facilitator
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar reiterated that Pakistan is ready to host US-Iran talks to establish a lasting ceasefire. He called on the international community to support Pakistan’s efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region.
The meeting chaired by President Zardari is expected to consolidate Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives while reviewing domestic strategies to mitigate the impact of regional instability.
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