Ishaq Dar

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar of Pakistan held a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, urging de-escalation and restraint amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Both leaders discussed the regional situation, referencing the Islamabad MoU signed in June 2026 to address the conflict between the US and Iran.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who led Qatar from 1995 to 2013, died at 74. He oversaw Qatar's transformation into a regional power, launched Al Jazeera, and abdicated in 2013 in favor of his son. Pakistan's foreign minister expressed condolences, highlighting his role in Qatar's development and bilateral ties.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized the country’s strategic geographical location as an asset requiring full exploration to boost economic benefits through improved connectivity. He chaired meetings focusing on enhancing port efficiency, streamlining operations, and promoting economic diplomacy to strengthen regional trade and economic stability.

Islamabad will host the OIC's 9th Ministerial Conference on Women from July 12-13, focusing on socio-economic and political empowerment of women in OIC countries. The event, organized by Pakistan's human rights ministry, will feature high-level discussions and participation from 57 member states.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the formation of a committee to review suggestions from PML-N lawmakers in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) for regional welfare. The committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, will address development priorities including infrastructure, education, energy, and employment, with initiatives like cadet schools and a 100-megawatt solar project highlighted.

PPP's Raja Pervez Ashraf stated the upcoming AJK assembly will decide refugee seats, a constitutional issue. He expressed confidence in the party's election victory and warned India against disrupting Pakistan's water share. PPP leadership, including Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, emphasized political dialogue and democratic elections in AJK.

Pakistan and Croatia discussed potential collaboration between their ports during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Croatia’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman. The two sides agreed to strengthen ties in trade, investment, agriculture, and other sectors, with plans for bilateral political consultations in 2026 or early 2027.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Istanbul for an official visit to Turkiye at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He attended the funeral of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei before traveling to Istanbul, where he was met by Turkish officials and Pakistani representatives. The visit includes discussions on bilateral relations, trade, and regional security, along with a business conference highlighting investment opportunities in sectors like energy and technology.

The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) will remain in abeyance until Pakistan irrevocably stops sponsoring cross-border terrorism, according to the government. Pakistan organized a conference on the Indus and water sharing, where Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar described the IWT as vital for regional peace, stability, and cooperation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for Iran to attend the funeral of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in a US-Israeli strike. He is accompanied by senior officials including the National Assembly Speaker and Foreign Minister. The visit aims to express solidarity with Iran and reaffirm Pakistan's support.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit Iran and Turkiye from July 3 to 5 to attend the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral trade, investment, and regional security cooperation, alongside diplomatic efforts to mediate the US-Iran conflict.

Pakistan accused India of 'weaponisation of water' over the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, warning it could threaten regional peace and security. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and officials made the remarks at a seminar discussing the 1960 World Bank-brokered treaty governing water sharing between the two nations.

Pakistan Deputy PM Ishaq Dar stated that the Indus Waters Treaty remains valid, binding, and operative. He warned that depriving Pakistan of its allocated waters would have profound consequences for regional peace and security.

Iran launched missile and drone attacks on eight US military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain following US strikes on Iranian targets. Both sides accuse each other of endangering a ceasefire, while regional tensions escalate with arrests in Iraq and a Palestinian injury in East Jerusalem.

22 Iranian crew members from the US-seized tanker M/T Davina arrived in Pakistan, with Pakistan facilitating their repatriation as part of over 70 Iranians returned through four groups. The US has been intercepting Iranian-linked vessels during the ongoing conflict, including the M/V Touska, which was seized and later repaired in Pakistan.

Pakistan is recognized as a peacemaker for mediating between the US and Iran, according to Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. He highlighted the country's growing global diplomatic role and efforts under PM Shehbaz Sharif to address economic challenges.

Pakistan expressed optimism that trade and economic cooperation with Iran will advance as international sanctions on Iran ease. Technical talks between Iran and the U.S. are set to resume, with Pakistan participating. The country also emphasized preventing terrorism from Afghan soil and supporting regional ownership of Gulf issues.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that US-Iran talks in Switzerland were delayed due to Israel's attacks on Lebanon. He highlighted Pakistan's role in mediating the negotiations and facilitating regional cooperation, including a three-group technical process addressing nuclear issues, sanctions, and Lebanon. Dar also emphasized efforts to restore free movement in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to meet President Asif Ali Zardari and discuss bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, and regional security. Security measures include closed bus terminals and sealed zones in Islamabad.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian will visit Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. During the visit, he will meet President Asif Ali Zardari and discuss bilateral relations, trade, energy, and regional cooperation. The visit aims to strengthen historic ties and address mutual regional and international developments.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated the country will continue playing an 'honest and sincere role' in advancing dialogue after high-level US-Iran talks in Switzerland under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. The talks, hosted in Burgenstock, concluded with a roadmap for a potential 60-day deal, a high-level oversight committee, and further technical discussions aimed at resolving the Middle East conflict.

The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) coordinated the repatriation and humanitarian assistance of eight Iranian nationals rescued at sea by a British vessel. The operation involved collaboration with the foreign ministry, Pakistan Navy, FIA, Iran's consulate, and international stakeholders, highlighting Pakistan's commitment to maritime safety and regional cooperation.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is traveling to Cairo for a quadrilateral meeting with foreign ministers from Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye to discuss regional developments and strengthen cooperation. The meeting, part of the R-4 framework, will include bilateral consultations and a meeting with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan's name is gaining global respect following the US-Iran agreement mediated by Pakistan. He highlighted the role of Field Marshal Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in achieving peace between the US and Iran.

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar urged the UN Security Council to address India's alleged 'brazen violations' of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), citing two illegal infrastructure projects on the Chenab River that threaten Pakistan's water security and regional stability. The letter warns of India's attempts to alter the treaty-governed flow of western rivers, with implications for international peace.

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar accused India of constructing at least 17 water projects to alter the Indus river system, labeling them as tools for 'hydro-hegemony'. He criticized India's unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and highlighted concerns over illegal actions including reservoir creation and river diversion projects.

PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari agreed to participate in the budget debate after a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The two sides discussed addressing PPP's reservations about the federal budget and pledged sustained collaboration between the federal government and provinces for project completion.

Pakistan is facilitating the repatriation of 30 Iranian nationals, including eight fishermen rescued by a British vessel and 22 crew members from a US-interdicted oil tanker. The process involves coordination with Iran, the US, and the UK, with transit through Karachi. This follows a previous effort in May to repatriate 22 crew members from a US-seized Iranian vessel as part of confidence-building measures.

The UK announced an additional £8 million to support joint efforts with Pakistan against crime and illegal migration, thanking Pakistan for facilitating the US-Iran peace deal. The funding will enhance border management, visa systems, and law-enforcement cooperation to disrupt human-smuggling networks and address migration drivers.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari warned of a National Assembly boycott unless the party's budget-related demands are addressed, citing discrepancies between pre-budget consultations and the final budget document. The PPP raised concerns about provinces meeting IMF-linked revenue targets and urged the government to broaden the tax base instead of increasing taxes on existing classes. Another round of talks between PPP leaders and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is expected.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned that future US-Iran negotiations will be 'more difficult' than the initial stage, noting significant hurdles remain despite recent diplomatic progress. He emphasized the need for the UN Security Council to support talks and highlighted ongoing challenges in achieving lasting peace in the Middle East and Gulf region amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

A UK MP stated Pakistan has the right under international law to defend itself against attacks from Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for dialogue and regional stability. The official discussed security concerns with Pakistani leaders, including recent violence linked to Afghan-based terrorist groups and regional issues like the Strait of Hormuz.

The US and Iran agreed on a framework to end their three-month conflict, with Pakistan serving as a key mediator. Pakistani politicians, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari, praised the deal and highlighted Pakistan's diplomatic role in facilitating peace.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, expressed hope that ongoing efforts to reach an understanding between the US and Iran will contribute to regional 'peace and stability' during a call with his Swiss counterpart.

The PPP is leading in the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) assembly elections, with a potential coalition with PML-N, but the process faced claims of irregularities from both PPP and PTI. A re-poll has been announced for five seats. The article highlights concerns about governance, protests over issues like power and subsidies, and demands for greater local autonomy.

A Dar-led committee extended the closing time for standalone grocery and kiryana stores to 10pm as part of ongoing austerity and fuel conservation measures. The committee also recommended extending these measures until June 30, including a 50% reduction in fuel allowance for official vehicles and banning non-essential foreign trips by officials.

A magnitude-7.8 earthquake in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao has killed 41 people, displacing thousands and forcing doctors to treat patients in outdoor tents, including assisting a mother during childbirth. Rescue efforts are hindered by aftershocks and infrastructure damage, with some areas accessible only by helicopter and a hospital in General Santos operating outdoors due to structural concerns.

The upcoming budget presentation in Parliament faces unresolved disagreements between PPP and PML-N over provincial contributions to the federation. Discussions continue on financial arrangements without constitutional amendment changes, with Ishaq Dar involved in negotiations. Rumors of a 28th amendment and cabinet reshuffles persist amid economic concerns.

President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized provincial rights, public welfare, and economic stability in the upcoming 2026–2027 federal budget during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The discussion included officials and leaders from allied parties, with the PPP expressing concerns about taxation and advocating for broader tax bases to ease inflation pressures.

Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry contacted Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Pakistan's envoy in Somalia to discuss the release of 11 Pakistani seamen kidnapped by Somali pirates on April 21. The government is coordinating with the Foreign Office and the ship owner, but the situation remains grave due to the ship's explosive cargo and logistical challenges.