Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar welcomed on Saturday Iran’s decision to allow 20 additional Pakistani-flagged ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a positive and constructive development.
In a statement shared on X, Dar said that under the arrangement, two Pakistani ships would be permitted to cross the strategic waterway daily. He termed the move a “welcome gesture” by the Government of Iran that deserves appreciation.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the decision reflects a spirit of cooperation and could contribute to peace and stability in the region. He emphasized that such measures serve as important confidence-building steps and strengthen collective efforts toward regional harmony.
Highlighting the broader significance of the development, Dar said that dialogue, diplomacy, and confidence-building measures remain the only viable path forward for ensuring lasting peace.
This is the second time Iran has allowed a Pakistani oil tanker to pass through the otherwise blocked strait. On March 15, the
Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) transported around 574,000 metric tons of crude oil, giving a vital boost to the country’s oil reserves as supplies remain disrupted due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan's diplomatic efforts
The development came as Pakistan hosted the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt in Islamabad for talks focused on the escalating situation in the Middle East, the government said on Saturday.
The Foreign Office said Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had invited his counterparts for meetings scheduled on Sunday and Monday in the capital.
Following the invitation, the Turkish and Egyptian foreign ministers had arrived in Islamabad as the Saudi foreign minister was expected to arrive soon.
The visit comes amid heightened geopolitical strain in the Middle East, where ongoing conflicts have raised concerns over regional security, energy flows and broader global economic stability.
Islamabad has stepped up diplomatic outreach in recent weeks, maintaining coordination with regional and international partners to support dialogue and de-escalation efforts.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt — all influential players in the Muslim world — have also been engaged in mediation and stabilization initiatives, reflecting a broader push for coordinated diplomacy.
Pakistan maintains close political, economic and strategic ties with all three countries, including energy cooperation with Saudi Arabia, expanding defence and trade links with Turkey, and a longstanding engagement with Egypt through multilateral forums such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Comments
See what people are discussing