THE outcome of the quadrilateral meeting of four influential Islamic countries, held in Islamabad on Sunday, was a strong reflection of the desire of the Ummah for urgent de-escalation of the ongoing war in the Gulf as it called for an immediate and permanent end to the conflict through peaceful means.
The all-important meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the host Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt was categorical in its conclusion that dialogue and diplomacy remained the only path forward and that war served no one’s interest.
The remarks of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at the end of the moot that Pakistan will be honoured to host and facilitate meaningful talks between Iran and the United States ‘in coming days’ for a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the ongoing conflict augurs well for the peace process, which is otherwise seriously threatened by an escalation in military strikes by the two sides. It is significant to note that both the warring parties – the United States and Iran – have expressed full confidence in Pakistan’s facilitation for a dialogue aimed at bringing the war to a halt and the Foreign Ministers of the three countries who attended the Islamabad meeting put their weight behind Pakistan for the peace initiative. In fact, a majority of the international community is appreciative of the role Pakistan is playing to find a negotiated settlement of the crisis. The Deputy Foreign Minister also confirmed holding a detailed telephonic conversation with the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi as well as a conversation with United Nations Secretary General António Guterres as part of the ongoing diplomatic engagement and that they expressed full confidence in Pakistan’s efforts aimed at finding a peaceful solution. The moot assumed greater significance as some dimensions of the war and conspiracies being hatched by Israel to sow seeds of tension and conflict within the Ummah called for brain-storming sessions among the leadership of the Muslim world as part of the strategy to effectively counter such designs. The meeting of the FM, therefore, called for upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all and expressed concern over the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict on lives and livelihoods across the region. Importantly, the visiting ministers expressed their full support for Pakistan’s peace initiative and reaffirmed unity to contain the situation, reduce the risk of military escalation and create conditions for structured negotiations between the relevant parties. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also availed the opportunity to reiterate Pakistan’s complete solidarity and support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia when its Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud called on him. The guest shared the perspective of his country on the regional situation and the Prime Minister did well by appreciating the remarkable restraint demonstrated by the Kingdom, which has helped contain the conflict. As for the fate of the talks itself, there are serious challenges as despite assurances not to target energy infrastructure of Iran, the United States has closed its eyes towards Israeli provocations as latest reports suggested the Jewish state is hitting electricity installations as well as educational institutions in Iran. Tehran has also accused the US of plotting ground attack while seeking talks, vowing to give a befitting response in case of ground invasion. All this shows Tehran is serious about talks as, at the instance of Pakistan, it has allowed oil shipments through blocked Hormuz but provocations raise questions about intentions and sincerity of the other side. As the proposed talks offer an opportunity of honourable exit from the highly complicated scenario, the US must show the required level of sincerity for a peaceful settlement because there are strong hints it is not a winnable war.
