ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar departed for a brief one-day visit to China on Tuesday to hold “in-depth discussions” on evolving regional developments, the Foreign Office (FO) said.
According to diplomatic sources, the talks are expected to focus on shaping a potential framework and guiding principles for dialogue between Iran and the United States aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.
Earlier, the FO had announced that Dar’s visit to Beijing was being undertaken at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. This marks his second trip to China this year.
During the visit, both sides are set to review bilateral relations and exchange views on key regional and global issues of mutual interest.
The FO highlighted that Pakistan and China share an “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership”, characterised by close coordination and regular consultations on regional and international matters.
Dar’s visit comes shortly after he indicated that Pakistan could potentially host direct talks between the US and Iran, as Islamabad increases efforts to facilitate dialogue between the two sides.
Over the weekend, Pakistan hosted a four-nation meeting involving Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt, where foreign ministers stressed the importance of de-escalation and dialogue. The participants supported efforts to create conditions for structured negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Dar’s stay in Beijing is expected to be brief, lasting only a few hours, during which he will further discuss ideas previously exchanged with Wang Yi during a recent telephone conversation.
During that call, Wang acknowledged that initiating peace talks in the Iran conflict would be challenging but noted such efforts could help restore normal shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz.
He also expressed China’s support for Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue.
Earlier this month, Wang had commended Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting stability and de-escalation in the Middle East.
Pakistan has increasingly taken a central role in mediation efforts between the US and Iran, working alongside Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt. Officials say indirect communication between Washington and Tehran is ongoing through structured diplomatic channels rather than direct engagement.