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Pakistan is prepared to welcome the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt from March 29 to 30 for ‘comprehensive’ talks regarding the Middle East conflict.

Dignitaries will engage in detailed conversations about various topics, including initiatives to reduce hostilities during the continuous US-Israel conflict with Iran. Islamabad has become a crucial intermediary between Iran and the United States and Israel as the conflict continues. Islamabad has been acting as a liaison for communication between the two parties.

The Foreign Office (FO), in a statement released on Saturday, mentioned that the visit is an invitation extended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Turkey’s Hakan Fidan, and Egypt’s Badr Abdelatty will travel to Islamabad for this purpose. ‘Throughout their visit, the foreign ministers will engage in detailed discussions on various topics, including initiatives to reduce tensions in the region. The visiting officials will also meet with the Prime Minister [Shehbaz Sharif],’ the FO statement noted, adding ‘Pakistan places great value on its relations with the friendly nations of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt.’

As per the Foreign Office, the visit aims to enhance Pakistan’s collaboration and communication with these nations in various fields of shared interest.

As per Ishaq Dar, the gathering was initially scheduled to occur in Turkiye, but he extended an invitation to the delegations to hold it in Islamabad because of time-related challenges. The deputy prime minister mentioned that Pakistan is striving with integrity and genuine intent to address current conflicts and is gaining significant backing from allied nations. He added that discussions with Iran are ongoing, yet due to the delicate character of the talks, officials are avoiding public comments.

Three days ago, Dar stated that backchannel discussions between the United States and Iran were taking place via messages transmitted by Pakistan, with Turkiye and Egypt also playing a role in the initiative. This initiative involved direct communication between the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Asim Munir, and US President Donald Trump on Sunday, as verified by the White House. Later, according to an Iranian official, Pakistan conveyed a US proposal to Iran. Nonetheless, Iran turned down the US proposal, maintaining that it will conclude the current ‘imposed war’ according to its own conditions and schedule.

As part of the preparations, Prime Minister Sharif had an extensive phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday, which lasted more than an hour. ‘I emphasized Pakistan’s firm rejection of the ongoing Israeli attacks on Iran, including recent strikes on civilian facilities, and expressed Pakistan’s support for the courageous people of Iran,’ he posted on X.

In the meantime, the security system in Islamabad has been put on maximum alert as Pakistan prepares for possible high-stakes negotiations aimed at resolving the continuous conflict in the Middle East. Security agencies have completed a comprehensive, multi-tiered strategy to protect important figures. According to sources who are aware of the security measures, the Capital’s Red Zone, which contains vital government structures and diplomatic missions, has been closed off to unauthorized access. Elite police commandos and paramilitary Rangers have been stationed in areas with higher risks. Surveillance has been increased throughout Islamabad, with undercover officials keeping an eye on key locations, following reports that Pakistan is hosting the meetings.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).