ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said on Monday that Pakistan wants all sides involved in the ongoing regional conflict to prioritise negotiations and diplomacy.

The Middle East conflict has expanded with no clear end in sight, as Israel continued attacks on Iran and Tehran launched missiles and drones targeting what it described as US interests and bases across Gulf states.

Addressing members of the diplomatic corps in Islamabad, Dar said Pakistan was making all possible diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.

“We are passing through difficult times in terms of diplomacy. All our efforts are focused on reducing tensions and bringing the parties back to negotiations,” he said.

The deputy prime minister emphasised that dialogue and diplomacy were the only viable way forward, adding that Pakistan was closely monitoring developments in Iran.

“Pakistan supports efforts for the peaceful settlement of disputes through diplomacy,” he said.

Referring to the regional escalation, Dar said one Pakistani citizen was killed in an attack in the United Arab Emirates. He reiterated that Pakistan seeks good and friendly relations with all neighbouring countries.

Speaking about Palestine, he said Pakistan has been contributing to efforts aimed at resolving the situation in Gaza. He noted that a group of Arab and Islamic countries had engaged in meaningful interaction with US President Donald Trump to help restore peace in Gaza and ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Dar also referred to his recent visit to Afghanistan, where he held extensive discussions with the Taliban leadership on trade and economic cooperation.

He said Pakistan has consistently urged Afghanistan not to allow its soil to be used for terrorism, adding that Islamabad possesses evidence indicating that Afghan territory had been used for terrorist activities against Pakistan.