Quadrilateral moot discusses ways for early and permanent end to Mideast war: DPM Dar

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Sunday that at a quadrilateral moot on the ongoing Middle East crisis, he and his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt discussed ways to bring an early and permanent end to the war in the region, reported 24NewsHD TV Channel. 

He said this while speaking to the media in Islamabad after the quadrilateral meeting on regional situation.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that war in Middle East was not in the interests of the region therefore Foreign Ministers have agreed and discussed ways to regional situation in Islamabad. He expressed gratitude to Iran and United States of America for reposing confidence on Pakistan for peace initiative. 

Sharing details of meeting, Dar said the four foreign ministers had a very detailed and in-depth discussion on the current regional situation. “We also discussed possible ways to bring an early and permanent end to the war in the region.”

DPM Dar said the four participants also expressed concerns that the ongoing conflict was extremely unfortunate for its devastating impact on lives and livelihood across the wider region.

“We agreed that this war is not in favour of anyone and would only lead to death and destruction; the unity of the Muslim ummah in these challenging times is of utmost importance,” he added.

Moreover, Dar said he briefed the visiting dignitaries on the prospects of potential US-Iran talks in Islamabad. The visiting foreign ministers expressed their fullest support to this initiative, he said.

They reaffirmed unity to contain the situation, reduce the risks of military escalation and create conditions for structured negotiations between relevant parties, Dar said. Convened at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the participants of the quadrilateral meeting discussed issues of mutual interest, the FO said. After the moot ended, Dar posted on X that he was pleased to welcome the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt to Islamabad for consultations.

“Grateful for their presence at this critical moment, reflecting our strong fraternal ties. Our candid and constructive discussions focus on the evolving regional situation and advancing peace and stability, while strengthening our partnership and deepening cooperation across diverse domains,” he posted on X.

Earlier, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey on Sunday held talks about trying to end the war in the Middle East, as Islamabad acts as a go-between between the United States and Iran.

The four-way meeting between the top diplomats of the Muslim nations lasted several hours in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad. Pakistan has emerged as a key facilitator between Iran and the United States as their war drags on, relaying messages between the two sides.

It is seeking to capitalise on its longstanding links with Tehran and close contacts in the Gulf, and the personal rapport that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Asim Munir have struck up with US President Donald Trump.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the talks, held under tight security at his ministry but without any US, Israeli or Iranian representation, came a "critical moment".

"Our candid and constructive discussions focus on the evolving regional situation and advancing peace and stability, while strengthening our partnership and deepening cooperation," he wrote on X.

Dar, who is also Pakistan's deputy prime minister, held separate bilateral talks with his counterparts -- Badr Abdelatty from Egypt, Hakan Fidan from Turkey, and Saudi Arabia's Faisal bin Farhan.

All three visitors also met Munir.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have a mutual defence pact and in another meeting, Sharif told Farhan that Riyadh had shown "remarkable restraint" in the crisis.

"While emphasising the Kingdom's leadership role in the Muslim Ummah (worldwide community), the Prime Minister stressed upon the need to forge unity within the Islamic countries at this critical time," a statement read.

 Tehran has refused to admit to holding official talks with Washington but has passed a response to Trump's 15-point plan to end the war via Islamabad, according to an anonymous source cited by the Iranian Tasnim news agency.

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Friday he expected a direct US-Iran meeting in Pakistan "very soon", without revealing his source.

Shuja Nawaz, founder director of the South Asia Center at the Atlantic Council, said Pakistan had taken on a "challenging task" in trying to get Washington and Tehran to agree to talks.

"It could only do this with Saudi blessing," Nawaz, author of "The Battle for Pakistan: The Bitter US Friendship and a Tough Neighbourhood", told AFP.

"The real challenge for Pakistan is to bring together a single person in the White House who changes his mind frequently and an Iranian government that is debating whether to fight a long war or find an end to its economy being further devastated.

"Israeli autonomous decision-making will further complicate any Trump decision to claim victory and end a conflict that is hurting his popularity at home. Pakistan has limited leverage over both the US and Iran; none with Israel.

"Will it remain an event planner only?"

Sharif on Saturday said he had a detailed telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian lasting over one hour, detailing Pakistan's "ongoing diplomatic outreach".

Dar also said late Saturday that Iran had allowed 20 more Pakistani-flagged vessels -- or two ships daily -- to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, easing fears of an imminent fuel crisis.

"Dialogue, diplomacy, and such confidence-building measures are the only way forward," he wrote on X, tagging US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Saudi Foreign Minister has returned home after attending quadrilateral meeting of foreign ministers in Islamabad. The diplomatic sources said Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has returned from Noor Khan Air Base. Turkish Foreign Minister Halan Fidan has also returned home while, Egyptian Foreign Minister will also return home tonight. 

Reporter: Anwar Abbas / AFP