Sharm El-Sheikh / Islamabad:
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar, held a significant meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the Gaza Peace Summit being held in Sharm El-Sheikh. The meeting, which took place amid heightened global efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, focused on advancing peace initiatives, promoting humanitarian aid, and ensuring regional stability in the Middle East.
According to the spokesperson of Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussions between Ishaq Dar and Marco Rubio revolved around the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the urgent need for a permanent ceasefire, and the role of major global and regional powers in de-escalating tensions. Both leaders exchanged views on the broader implications of the conflict and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting diplomatic solutions aimed at achieving lasting peace.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan during the same summit. In both meetings, he emphasized Pakistan’s unwavering support for all international efforts to bring an immediate end to hostilities in Gaza and to ensure the protection of innocent civilians.
Dar praised the constructive roles played by the United States and Turkey in facilitating dialogue and humanitarian access in the war-torn region. He stressed that Pakistan fully endorses diplomatic initiatives designed to promote peace and long-term stability in the Middle East.
“Pakistan stands firmly with the people of Palestine and continues to support all efforts for a ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid,” Dar stated. He reiterated that the people of Gaza are enduring immense suffering and that it is the moral duty of the international community to act decisively to alleviate their plight.
Highlighting the humanitarian aspect of the crisis, Dar called for the uninterrupted flow of essential supplies such as food, water, and medical assistance to Gaza’s besieged population. He underscored that the world must not allow political divisions to hinder humanitarian relief operations and that saving innocent lives should remain the foremost priority.
During the meeting, both sides agreed on the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation and to pave the way for peace negotiations that address the root causes of the conflict. The leaders also discussed Pakistan-U.S. bilateral relations, particularly in the context of regional cooperation, economic stability, and counterterrorism efforts.
Dar’s engagement with key international counterparts comes at a critical time when global attention is focused on halting the violence in Gaza. The summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, attended by leaders from across the Middle East, Europe, and North America, aims to foster consensus on a roadmap for peace and the protection of civilians affected by the conflict.
The Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed Islamabad’s stance that sustainable peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without justice for the Palestinian people and the establishment of an independent State of Palestine with Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) as its capital.
At the conclusion of his meetings, Dar expressed optimism that collective international action — led by countries such as the United States, Turkey, and other partners — could help bring about a long-awaited ceasefire and open the path to meaningful negotiations. He reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to contribute to global peace efforts, both diplomatically and through humanitarian channels.
