Pakistan stresses dialogue, peace at IPU moot in Istanbul

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Friday reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to global peace, urging the resolution of conflicts through sustained dialogue and engagement

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Apr, 2026) National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Friday reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to global peace, urging the resolution of conflicts through sustained dialogue and engagement.

He was speaking on the sidelines of the 152nd General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), where he is leading Pakistan’s parliamentary delegation. The gathering in Istanbul has brought together representatives from over 130 member parliaments to deliberate on the theme of fostering hope, peace and justice for future generations.

According to officials, Pakistan’s recent diplomatic efforts drew considerable attention at the forum, with several parliamentary leaders meeting Ayaz Sadiq and members of his delegation. They lauded Islamabad’s role in facilitating renewed engagement between Iran and the United States after decades of estrangement.

During a series of meetings with parliamentary leaders from Gulf states and Iran, Ayaz Sadiq called on all sides to exercise restraint and avoid escalation. He emphasised the need for patience and a pragmatic approach to resolving regional disputes.

Among those he met were the speakers and representatives of Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Oman, as well as Iran’s parliamentary delegation led by former foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki.

In his meeting with Qatari officials, the NA speaker was commended for Pakistan’s peace initiatives, which were described as “historic” and instrumental in promoting unity within the Muslim world. Both sides expressed concern over rising tensions between Gulf countries and Iran and called for an immediate halt to hostilities.

Ayaz Sadiq, however, also condemned attacks on Gulf states, including Bahrain and the UAE, while urging caution and restraint to prevent further escalation.

He lamented that divisions within the Muslim world were undermining collective interests and benefiting external actors, particularly Israel. He stressed the importance of unity to effectively address longstanding issues such as Palestine and Kashmir.

In a separate meeting, Mottaki thanked Pakistan for its support, describing it as unwavering during challenging times. Ayaz Sadiq, in response, urged Iranian representatives to adopt a measured approach, noting that geography necessitates peaceful coexistence among neighbouring states.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to building bridges across the Muslim world and promoting regional harmony.

Officials said a small parliamentary delegation attended the conference in line with austerity measures, with members covering their own travel expenses.

APP/smd-sra