Dar engages Malaysian counterpart as Anwar Ibrahim backs Pakistan’s mediation push on X

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Mar, 2026) Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday held a telephone conversation with Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, underscoring a shared commitment to diplomacy amid rising regional tensions.

The two leaders reviewed recent regional and international developments of mutual concern and stressed the need for de-escalation through dialogue and diplomatic engagement and vowed continued coordination between Pakistan and Malaysia on pressing geopolitical issues, a DPM's Office news release said.

The conversation comes as Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim publicly welcomed Pakistan’s offer to facilitate dialogue between the United States and Iran, describing it as “timely and constructive” in a message posted on X.

In his statement, Anwar praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other international leaders for stepping forward “at a moment of acute regional danger,” while also acknowledging earlier mediation efforts by Oman and other partners.

He said Pakistan’s relationships with key stakeholders and its standing in the Muslim world position it well to help create conditions for meaningful negotiations between United States and Iran.

“Malaysia supports this initiative and encourages in particular the United States and Iran to respond in the spirit in which it was offered,” Anwar wrote, adding that there remained “some space for diplomacy” that must be treated with urgency and seriousness.

The Malaysian prime minister emphasized that any negotiations should aim at a genuine and lasting resolution rather than temporary pauses in conflict, cautioning against ceasefires that merely serve tactical purposes.

He also reiterated Malaysia’s position on international law, affirming Iran’s right to defend its sovereignty while calling for restraint by all parties, particularly in light of continued Israeli strikes in Iran and Lebanon. Anwar warned against further escalation that could draw in Gulf states and destabilize the broader region.

He stressed that the credibility of the rules-based international order depends on consistency and equal accountability.

Anwar further revealed that he has been in contact with leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council, Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan and other partners to advocate for de-escalation and peaceful resolution.

“Malaysia will continue to support every credible effort towards a just and lasting peace,” he concluded.