ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar says the country is ready to mediate regional tensions, de-escalate the situation in Iran in the Middle East, and help maintain stability through dialogue with regional partners.
His statement came as Pakistan continues to face multi-pronged economic pressures due to the US-Iran conflict. The war has significantly increased petroleum prices, affecting Pakistan’s economy, which relies heavily on oil imports, and trade deficit has worsened, compelling the government to seek favorable regional dynamics.
Not only that, but Pakistan also faces export & import challenges as disruptions in trade routes and increased costs have strained both imports and exports. Pakistan may aim to stabilize regional relations to reinstate more favorable economic conditions.
Besides these, the recent military operation in Afghanistan has further complicated Pakistan’s economic landscape and its ability to export goods, particularly agricultural products. Afghanistan acts as a transit point for trade between Pakistan and Central Asian countries, and instability in the region affects access to these markets, limiting import-export opportunities for Pakistani businesses.
The on-going military operation has disrupted trade routes to Afghanistan too, which is considered as crucial for Pakistani exports, leading to increased costs and delays in the supply of agricultural products.
In an interview with Qatar-based Al Jazeera, Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar emphasized his country’s pivotal role as a regional partner with a deep commitment to diplomatic stability in the Middle East.
Tarar expressed a sincere “desire to participate to de-escalate the situation” in Iran and to prevent further instability. Because of these longstanding ties, he said, Pakistan has remained ready to step in and help wherever possible.
“Pakistan is involved in talking with various partners, and we have always wanted for this balance in relations to remain, and I think we are able to play a mediation role with the countries in the region”, he added.
Middle East observers believe Pakistan’s efforts to mediate could address both national interests, including the economic pressure from rising petroleum prices and disrupted trade, and broader regional stability, serving to balance its relationships with influential neighbors like Saudi Arabia and Iran.
