ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s strategic position and longstanding ties with Iran and Arab nations could enable it to play constructive role in strengthening Muslim unity and promoting regional stability, senior diplomats and defence experts said at a seminar organised by the Forum of Information Group Secretaries (FIGS).
Former Federal Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Ashfaq Ahmed Gondal moderated the seminar, while FIGS Executive Director Shafqat Jalil coordinated the proceedings. Parliamentarians, diplomats, civil servants, Information Group officers and media representatives attended the event.
The speakers called for broader defence cooperation, inclusive regional partnerships and sustained diplomatic engagement to prevent escalating Middle East tensions from developing into a wider conflict.
Speakers stressed that stronger partnerships among Muslim countries, including Iran and Arab states, could help prevent further confrontation and establish a more stable regional security environment.
Former ambassador Ashraf Jahangir Qazi highlighted Pakistan’s unique diplomatic position, particularly its longstanding relationships with Iran and major Arab countries. Discussing Iran’s possible participation in the proposed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, he stressed the importance of ensuring that regional security initiatives promote cooperation rather than create new divisions.
Qazi cautioned that excluding Iran after its expression of interest could complicate Pakistan’s diplomatic position if the agreement were perceived as being directed against Tehran. His remarks sheds light on importance of Islamabad maintaining constructive engagement with all regional partners while supporting arrangements that strengthen collective security.
Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Reza Amiri Moghadam highlighted the historical relationship between Islamabad and Tehran, recalling Pakistan’s support for Iran during the difficult years following the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the subsequent Iran-Iraq war. Addressing the gathering, he outlined Iran’s experience of international sanctions, political pressure and regional conflicts while reaffirming Tehran’s commitment to pursuing independent national policies.
The ambassador maintained that Iran’s nuclear programme was peaceful and referred to Tehran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency since 2003. He argued that Washington’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement in 2018 had intensified tensions surrounding the programme. Dr Moghadam also discussed the Palestinian issue and Iran’s opposition to Israeli policies as important factors influencing regional developments.
Former ambassador Inam-ul-Haq strongly advocated expanding defence cooperation across the Muslim world, arguing that a broader security framework incorporating Iran and other Muslim nations could help address common challenges. He stressed that greater collective engagement would not only strengthen regional security but also reduce the likelihood of disputes among Muslim countries escalating into conflict.
Inam-ul-Haq encouraged Pakistan to pursue a balanced foreign policy that combines international cooperation with economic stability and stronger domestic capabilities. He also highlighted Pakistan’s strategic relationship with China and called for a fresh assessment of relations with the United States in response to changing global alignments.
Lieutenant General (retd) Khalid Naeem Lodhi stresssed diplomacy and strategic caution in preventing a wider Middle Eastern conflict. Presenting his assessment of the confrontation involving Iran, the United States and Israel, he argued that Washington and Tel Aviv had failed to achieve their principal objectives, including regime change and ending Iran’s nuclear enrichment activities.
He described the situation as a military stalemate and warned that renewed escalation could threaten regional and international stability. Lodhi urged Pakistan to maintain friendly relations with Iran and carefully review its security commitments to avoid becoming involved in multiple regional conflicts.
He also drew attention to the strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz and the evolving geopolitical landscape.
The seminar concluded with a shared emphasis on diplomatic engagement, mutual understanding and collective security cooperation as essential foundations for lasting regional peace. Speakers agreed that Muslim countries should prioritise resolving differences through dialogue and develop partnerships capable of addressing common security concerns without deepening existing divisions.
