Pakistan Supports Iran Politically, Won’t Side with U.S. on Wrong Actions: Ishaq Dar

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has stated that maintaining good relations with the United States does not mean Pakistan will support it in wrongful actions. He emphasized that Pakistan was fully aware Iran would retaliate after being attacked and extended its political support to Tehran to prevent its isolation.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad regarding the recent OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) meeting, Dar said the primary focus of the summit was the Iran-Israel conflict. He revealed that, on Pakistan’s proposal, the OIC foreign ministers agreed to hold a special session exclusively on Iran, which was made possible due to Islamabad’s efforts.
“I remained in constant contact with the Iranian foreign minister, and the Prime Minister also communicated with Iranian leadership,” Dar said. “It was our Islamic and moral obligation to support Iran. Iran acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts at the UN Security Council and also expressed gratitude in its parliament.”
He added that when the Iranian President addressed their parliament, lawmakers chanted slogans of appreciation for Pakistan, a sign of the deep political support Pakistan extended to Iran in the background, ensuring it was not undermined during the crisis.
Dar also revealed that when the U.S. attacked Iran and Pakistan’s army chief was en route to the country, a stopover in Istanbul was arranged at Pakistan’s suggestion for a crucial meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The meeting included senior officials from both sides, including Turkey’s foreign minister, intelligence chief, and Pakistan’s ambassador, focusing on the Iran situation.
Referring to Iran’s retaliatory actions, Dar said Iran informed Pakistan that it is a peace-loving nation and not in favor of nuclear weapons but would respond to any aggression. Iran subsequently informed Qatar and launched a strike on a U.S. airbase located there.
Dar reiterated, “Good relations with the U.S. do not mean we support it in every wrong. After the U.S. attack on Iran, speculation began about Pakistan’s stance, but we made our position clear. We knew Iran wouldn’t remain silent.”
He concluded by expressing hope that the recently achieved ceasefire holds permanently.