KARACHI: Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki on Thursday lauded Islamabad’s efforts to ensure peace in the region, as Iran continues its relentless attacks against Gulf states amid the Middle East war.
Iran has targeted Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries with a barrage of missiles and carried out drone attacks against them since Israel and the US bombed Iran on Feb. 28.
Iran has said it is targeting only military sites linked to the US in Gulf states. However, an undeniable pattern of attacks on civilian infrastructure in these countries has been witnessed. Iran has targeted Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura oil refinery, Aramco facilities and the Shaybah oil field, drawing sharp criticism from the Kingdom.
In a video message on Thursday, Malki said Iran’s actions constitute “unjustified aggression” against sovereign states that are not party to any conflict and represent a clear violation of international law and the principles of the UN Charter.
“In this context, we appreciate the responsible stance of the government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and we value its continued efforts and wisdom in containing the crisis and advancing toward a peaceful resolution,” Malki said.
He said Islamabad’s efforts reflect its commitment toward playing a “constructive role” in promoting peace and stability in the region.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia firmly believes that wisdom and international solidarity are the path out of crisis and that adherence to humanitarian principles is the safest way to preserve peace and security,” Malki said.
Malki noted that Iran’s attacks in the region have killed civilians, including nationals of various countries. He said the attacks have targeted vital civilian infrastructure, including airports, hotels, and other facilities across Gulf nations, underscoring the severity of these violations.
Pakistan has sought to position itself as an intermediary between Iran and the US. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday that the US and Tehran are holding “indirect talks” through Pakistan.
Dar said Türkiye and Egypt, among other countries, are also extending their support for this initiative.
“Pakistan remains fully committed to promoting peace and continues to make every effort to ensure stability in the region and beyond,” he said.
Separately, Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi told reporters during a weekly press briefing that Islamabad was keeping Riyadh in the loop on its peace efforts.
“You see, Saudi Arabia is a principal interlocutor and a major party in this,” Andrabi said. “Saudi Arabia has been attacked. So, of course, the conversation with Saudi Arabia has gone on.”
Pakistan has urged all parties to the conflict to exercise restraint and resolve issues through dialogue and diplomacy. Islamabad has also condemned Iran’s attacks against Gulf countries since the start of the war.
