Iran, Pakistan hold talks as regional diplomacy gains economic focus in Islamabad

Regional diplomatic activity converged in Islamabad on Saturday as senior officials from Iran and Pakistan met on the sidelines of ongoing peace talks, while broader engagement with Gulf partners and global stakeholders underscored efforts to expand economic cooperation alongside political dialogue.

Governor of the Central Bank of Iran, Dr Abdolnaser Hemmati, held talks with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, with both sides emphasizing the need for sustained dialogue to promote regional stability and economic cooperation.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as posted on X, the two sides noted that peace and stability in the region remain essential for advancing economic ties and shared progress.

The engagement took place as direct United States–Iran talks also began on Saturday, amid expectations of a possible peace arrangement aimed at ending recent hostilities.

In a parallel development earlier in the week, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted Saudi Arabia’s Finance Minister Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan in Islamabad, where discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and economic development.

During the meeting at the Prime Minister’s House, both sides reviewed avenues to strengthen bilateral economic engagement, with Pakistan reaffirming its commitment to deepen cooperation with Saudi Arabia across key sectors, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.