ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke late Monday night with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to exchange views on recent developments, including the U.S.–Iran negotiations held during the Islamabad Talks.
According to the Foreign Office, Ms Anand appreciated Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran. The Islamabad Talks, convened at a time of heightened tensions when former US president Donald Trump had threatened to “wipe out a whole civilisation,” underscored Islamabad’s emergence as a center of peace on the world stage. Pakistan’s mediation helped open a first round of discussions, positioning it as a credible broker in regional diplomacy.
Mr Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting dialogue and diplomacy, stressing the importance of all parties adhering to a ceasefire. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact as the situation evolves.
The ministerial exchange came within hours of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s telephone conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
https://archive.mmnews.tv/canadian-pm-discusses-me-de-escalation-bilateral-trade-ties-with-pm-shehbaz/
In that call, both premiers emphasised de‑escalation in the Middle East, protection of civilians and infrastructure, and secure access through the Strait of Hormuz. Prime Minister Carney had thanked Pakistan for its strategic role in facilitating talks between the US and Iran, and the two leaders expressed optimism about expanding bilateral trade and investment, including upcoming negotiations on a foreign investment protection agreement in June.
Diplomatic observers note that the rapid pace of Pakistan–Canada contacts post US-Iran first round of talks reflects Islamabad’s bid to diversify partnerships beyond Washington, particularly at a time when Canada’s relations with the US have been strained since the Trump era. By engaging Ottawa at both leadership and ministerial levels, Pakistan is projecting autonomy in its foreign policy, consolidating its peace‑broker image, and seeking to translate goodwill into economic cooperation.
Together, the back‑to‑back engagements highlight Pakistan’s growing diplomatic footprint — positioning Islamabad as a mediator in regional conflicts while simultaneously deepening ties with Canada.
