By Asghar Ali Mubarak
Pakistan and China have proposed a five-point plan for stability in the Gulf and the Middle East. Ishaq Dar’s important visit follows a quadrilateral meeting on the Middle East with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Beijing on Tuesday. During the meeting, Pakistan and China presented a five-point plan to review the emerging situation in the Gulf and the wider Middle East. Ishaq Dar is in China on a one-day official visit, at the invitation of Wang Yi, during which the two sides reviewed bilateral relations and discussed issues of mutual interest in regional and global affairs.
This is Ishaq Dar’s second visit to Beijing this year, and he had earlier chaired a quadrilateral meeting with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt to explore ways to end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, met Ishaq Dar in Beijing, where the two sides jointly put forward a five-point initiative focusing on the situation in the Gulf and the Middle East. The five points are as follows: Immediate ceasefire: Both countries called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further escalation and emphasized the urgency of delivering humanitarian aid to all affected regions.
Early commencement of negotiations: They stressed that dialogue and diplomacy, not force, are essential for protecting the sovereignty and security of Iran and the Gulf states, urging all parties to immediately start peace talks. Protection of civilians and infrastructure: The statement stressed compliance with international humanitarian law and called on all parties to refrain from attacks on civilians and civilian targets. It also called for the protection of critical infrastructure, including energy resources, water treatment plants, power stations and peaceful nuclear sites. Security of sea lanes: Highlighting the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, both sides called for ensuring the safety of ships and personnel in the area.
They called for the restoration of maritime traffic for commercial shipping and the establishment of safe passage as soon as possible. Upholding the UN charter: The five-point initiative called for strengthening the multilateral system and consolidating the central role of the UN. It supported efforts to establish a comprehensive peace framework in accordance with the UN charter and the principles of international law. Describing Pakistan and China as “all-weather strategic partners”, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the two countries maintain close coordination on major regional and global issues. She expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen strategic communication, especially on developments related to Iran.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier described the US war on Iran as a catastrophic political mistake and a violation of international law, saying it was a war that could have been avoided. If the aim was to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, he said, it was unnecessary. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at a cabinet meeting in Ankara that although this is Israel’s war, the whole world is suffering its consequences. The US, he added, has for decades sought to reshape the world in the name of protecting its interests, while superpowers have long altered the course of global affairs at will.
The broader geopolitical context reflects longstanding tensions, with historical grievances shaping present dynamics. Turkish leadership has called for urgent action to halt violence, while Iranian officials point to growing public sentiment across multiple countries. The debate over nuclear capability has also intensified, with some analysts warning that sustained pressure may incentivize proliferation rather than deterrence. Economic implications are already visible. Rising oil prices, driven by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional instability, have raised concerns about global energy security. Brent crude has surged significantly, marking one of the sharpest increases since the Gulf war of 1990. Key shipping routes, including the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, face mounting risks, while alternative export routes may prove insufficient if the conflict escalates further.
For Pakistan, the economic impact may be moderated by shifts in the energy mix, including increased reliance on solar, LNG, nuclear and indigenous coal. Nevertheless, structural challenges persist, particularly in transmission infrastructure and transport sector dependence on oil. Analysts warn that any further escalation could still exert significant pressure on the economy. As diplomatic efforts continue, Pakistan’s role as an intermediary remains central. With indirect talks under way and cautious optimism emerging from multiple quarters, the coming days may prove decisive in determining whether the region moves towards de-escalation or deeper conflict.
(The writer is a senior journalist covering various beats, can be reached at editorial@metro-morning.com)
