Dar reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace in call with Araghchi
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday spoke with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment “to play its constructive role for achieving the goal of lasting peace and stability in the region and beyond.” According to a post on X by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Araghchi “expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s continued support in advancing the peace process.” The foreign minister also thanked Pakistan for facilitating the safe and smooth repatriation of Iranian crew members and fishermen to their homeland, MoFa wrote. Both Dar and Araghchi “agreed to remain in close contact,” the post concluded. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Friday announced that 22 Iranian crew members of the vessel Lenore/Davina, recently interdicted by US authorities, have arrived in Karachi for their repatriation to Iran. This development follows an interim peace agreement signed between Tehran and Washington in Switzerland, with Pakistan and Qatar acting as mediators, as both sides agree to restore diplomatic engagement and prepare for technical-level talks to resume next week. In a post on X, DPM Dar said that arrangements were being finalised in close collaboration with Iranian missions in Pakistan to facilitate their earliest and safe return to their homeland. Dar said Pakistan remained in close contact with both the US and Iranian authorities throughout the process. He noted that the coordination helped ensure the safe arrival of the crew members in Karachi following the vessel’s interdiction by US authorities. According to Dar, the group was the fourth batch of Iranian crew members whose repatriation has been facilitated by Pakistan during the past two months. He added that Pakistan has now assisted in the repatriation of more than 70 Iranian nationals, including the latest group of 22. Meanwhile, Iran’s state news agency Irna said that the crew members were handed over to Iranian diplomats in Karachi and are ex