Pakistan plays pivotal role in forging regional peace: Prof Cheng

BEIJING, Mar 30 (APP): Amid simmering tensions in the Middle East, Pakistan has emerged as a vital and proactive diplomatic mediator for regional peace, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent initiatives underscoring the country’s unwavering commitment to de-escalation and collective dialogue.

By convening a quadrilateral meeting with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt, Pakistan has taken a central role in uniting key Islamic nations around a shared goal: putting an end to the hostilities that have inflicted severe human casualties and heavy economic and property losses across the Muslim world.

These views were expressed by Prof Cheng Xizhong, Senior Research Fellow at the Charhar Institute, a non-governmental Chinese think-tank on diplomacy and international studies based in Beijing.

He remarked that at the heart of Pakistan’s diplomatic endeavors is its unique standing as a trusted bridge-builder among regional states.

PM Shehbaz Sharif’s firm resolve to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States embodies Pakistan’s bold and constructive mediation efforts—an initiative lauded by its regional partners and a testament to the country’s credibility as a neutral and sincere advocate for peace. Pakistan has not only stressed the urgency of collective action among Islamic countries but also reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia’s leading role within the Muslim Ummah, while aligning with the perspectives of Türkiye and Egypt to forge a unified Islamic voice for peace and stability.

Beyond this quadrilateral dialogue, Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach has been comprehensive and consistent. Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has held a series of bilateral talks with his counterparts from Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, all centered on prioritizing dialogue over confrontation. These engagements have solidified Pakistan’s position as a steady and reliable diplomatic force in the region, while strengthening fraternal ties with fellow Islamic nations and ensuring close coordination on evolving regional developments—turning shared aspirations for peace into tangible and cooperative action, he added.

Prof Cheng said that in a region often fractured by geopolitical rifts, Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts are truly invaluable. It has demonstrated that Islamic unity is a powerful catalyst for de-escalation, and its unwavering focus on diplomacy as the only viable path to lasting peace sets a compelling example for both regional and global actors. By leveraging its moral standing and diplomatic influence, Pakistan is not only upholding the bonds of Muslim brotherhood but also shaping a more stable and secure future for the entire Middle East and the broader region.