Pakistan will continue efforts for de-escalation between US, Iran: DPM Dar

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday said Pakistan will continue efforts for de-escalation between the US and Iran.Speaking in the Senate, DPM Dar highlighted contacts with his counterparts from different countries over the last three days, emphasising that these were aimed at convincing the two sides to come to the table of dialogue and diplomacy for the settlement of their issues, Radio Pakistan reported.The deputy prime minister expressed his surprise over sudden attack on Iran saying it was repeat of June last year. Referring to Pakistan’s fraternal relations with Iran, he said Pakistan immediately condemned the attack on the neighbouring country. While emphasising that this conflict is not in any one’s interest, he stated that Pakistan recognises the Iranian right for peaceful use of nuclear energy.Dar informed the house that an in-camera briefing will be given to the parliamentary leaders and opposition leaders of both the National Assembly and the Senate on Wednesday at 11:30 am regarding the Middle East situation. He said the issue of Afghanistan will also be discussed in the briefing.“These are the challenging times as there is a situation of conflict in the region,” he maintained.The deputy prime minister also apprised the house about the steps taken for the repatriation of Pakistanis from Iran. He said 792 Pakistanis including 46 students have been repatriated from Iran.Taking part in the discussion on strikes against Iran, Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Sherry Rehman called for a balanced and responsible foreign policy approach to protect Pakistan’s interests. She emphasised national unity amid escalating regional tensions.Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar informed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will provide an in-camera briefing to parliamentary leaders tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. regarding the situation in the Gulf region.Senator Syed Ali Zafar said a regional security framework should be developed for peace and security in the region.Afnan Ullah Khan said there was no justification of the attack on Iran. He expressed grief and sorrow over the killing of Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei in the strikes on Iran.Jam Saifullah Khan said the martyrdom of Khamenei will always be remembered.Others who spoke on the occasion included: Hidayatullah Khan, Maulana Atta ur Rehman, Bilal Ahmed Khan, Aon Abbas, Azam Swati, and Mashal Yousafzai.Meanwhile, the Senate was informed that reforms are being implemented to enhance the commercial viability of Pakistan Railways.Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi told the house during question hour that new track on 480 kilometers Karachi-Rohri section will be laid with groundbreaking scheduled for July this year.Abbasi said freight operations are being prioritised to convert Pakistan Railways into a financially sustainable entity. “New freight wagons have been inducted and dedicated freight corridors are being developed. Strategic partnerships with bulk cargo clients are also being explored,” he added.The minister said freight revenue for Pakistan Railways stood at about Rs32 billion during 2024-25.The minister for railways said Pakistan Railways has also introduced 10 more passenger trains. He said revenue from the passenger sector was Rs49 billion in 2024-2025.The House passed two bills.These included The Daanish University Islamabad Bill, 2026 and Public Private Partnership Authority Amendment Bill, 2022. The House will now meet tomorrow at 2 pm.

Read full story on Business Recorder