Ishaq Dar Secures Global Support for Islamabad Talks

April 14, 2026 Diplomats World

Pakistan Garners Broad International Support for US-Iran Dialogue

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar conducted a series of high-level diplomatic engagements on April 13 and 14, 2026, to solidify international backing for the “Islamabad Talks.” In separate discussions with the Foreign Ministers of the United Kingdom, Canada, and Kuwait, as well as the European Union’s High Representative, Dar shared progress regarding the direct negotiations between the United States and Iran hosted in the Pakistani capital. These global partners collectively recognized Pakistan’s strategic role in providing a neutral platform for de-escalation during the current regional crisis.

European Union and Canada Commend Islamabad’s Mediation Efforts

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand held individual calls with Senator Dar to assess the developments of the direct US-Iran sessions. Kallas commended Pakistan’s constructive facilitation of the negotiations, emphasizing that continued dialogue remains the only viable path for conflict resolution. Similarly, Minister Anand appreciated Pakistan’s proactive involvement in regional stabilization efforts. Both leaders reached a consensus with Dar on the vital importance of all involved parties adhering strictly to the current ceasefire to prevent further humanitarian and economic fallout.

UK and Kuwait Reinforce Commitment to Diplomatic Solutions

In a telephone conversation with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Sabah, Senator Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to sustain diplomatic momentum. Secretary Cooper highlighted Pakistan’s pivotal role in promoting regional peace, while Minister Al-Sabah expressed Kuwait’s appreciation for the personal efforts of the Deputy Prime Minister in managing the complex negotiations. Dar underscored during these calls that dialogue is the only effective mechanism to address deep-seated regional challenges, urging the international community to prioritize diplomatic engagement over military escalation.

Government Addresses Energy Security Amid Regional Shipping Disruptions

Amid the ongoing regional war and maritime blockades, Deputy Prime Minister Dar chaired a meeting of the Steering Committee on Fuel Subsidy and Austerity on April 14. The Petroleum Minister informed the committee that the government is actively working to source fuel from alternative regions unaffected by the current conflict. This strategic move aims to stabilize the national fuel supply as traditional routes remain compromised. Dar emphasized that implementing the Prime Minister’s austerity measures is critical for national resilience during this period of heightened regional volatility and disrupted global trade.

Federal and Provincial Leaders Coordinate on Fuel Subsidy Program

The Steering Committee meeting included participation from the Minister of IT, Federal Secretaries, and the Chief Secretaries of all four provinces, as well as representatives from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). The session focused on the progress of the Fuel Subsidy Program, which is designed to protect vulnerable populations from rising energy costs. Senator Dar directed relevant authorities to track payments meticulously, ensuring that relief efforts directly ameliorate the financial burden on the common man as the war continues to impact regional energy pricing.

Pakistan Advocates for Strict Ceasefire Compliance and Regional Stability

Throughout his diplomatic marathon, Senator Dar underscored a consistent message: the necessity of full respect for the ceasefire. Speaking to global counterparts, he maintained that the “Islamabad Talks” are a cornerstone of Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability. By engaging with the EU, UK, Canada, and Kuwait within a 48-hour window, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has demonstrated a robust effort to insulate the diplomatic process from external pressures. The DPM reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue its sustained efforts to bridge the gap between Washington and Tehran through inclusive diplomacy.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties through Ongoing Regional Crisis Management

The recent flurry of diplomatic activity has also served to strengthen Pakistan’s bilateral relations with the EU and Middle Eastern partners. Beyond the immediate scope of the US-Iran negotiations, Senator Dar and his counterparts assessed growing cooperation in trade, technology, and mutual security interests. The agreement to maintain close contact on all issues of mutual interest suggests that the “Islamabad Talks” have elevated Pakistan’s standing as a central mediator in the 2026 geopolitical landscape, a role that global powers have now formally acknowledged and supported.