ISLAMABAD – June 27:
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday stated that while Pakistan maintains strong bilateral relations with the United States, this should not be interpreted as unconditional support for all American policies—especially those deemed unjust or aggressive.
Addressing a press briefing in Islamabad, Dar commented on the recent US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, stressing that Pakistan had anticipated a response from Iran and was not surprised by the subsequent escalation.
The remarks came in the context of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting, where the ongoing 12-day Iran-Israel conflict was a focal point. Dar highlighted Pakistan’s active diplomatic role in pushing for a special session on Iran, which was supported by OIC member states.
He underscored Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic engagement with Tehran, including high-level discussions between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian leadership. Dar added that Iranian officials had acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan’s efforts at the United Nations Security Council and within Iran’s own parliamentary discussions.
Dar also referenced a key meeting in Istanbul, held during a visit by Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, and attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, and other senior Turkish officials. The meeting focused on regional security and the fallout from the Iran-US confrontation.
According to Dar, Iran had clearly conveyed to Pakistan that it was not pursuing nuclear weapons, but in light of the US strikes, it could not remain passive. Iran’s retaliation came in the form of an attack on a US military base in Qatar.
Reiterating Pakistan’s stance, Dar emphasized that strong relations with the US do not equate to automatic alignment with every American action, particularly those involving military aggression or violations of international norms.
He concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful diplomacy, stressing the need for continued efforts to uphold the ceasefire and prevent further escalation in the region.
