ISLAMABAD: In a significant diplomatic move amid escalating globaltensions, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister SenatorMuhammad Ishaq Dar conducted separate telephone conversations with hisTurkish counterpart Hakan Fidan and Qatar’s Minister of State Dr. Mohammedbin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi. These discussions, held on January 24, 2026,focused on reviewing outcomes from the recent World Economic Forum in Davosand addressing pressing regional and international issues. This engagementunderscores Pakistan’s proactive role in fostering multilateral dialogue tonavigate complex geopolitical landscapes.
The conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan highlighted theshared commitment between Pakistan and Turkey to collaborate on keyregional matters. According to the Foreign Office, both leaders reviewedbilateral engagements and evolving international developments, agreeing tomaintain close contact. This comes against the backdrop of strengthenedPakistan-Turkey ties, with trade volumes reaching approximately $1.2billion in 2025, up from $900 million in 2023, as per data from the StateBank of Pakistan. Such economic interdependence bolsters their strategicpartnership in areas like defense and energy.
In the dialogue with Qatar’s Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi,emphasis was placed on enhancing bilateral cooperation and mutualinterests. The talks delved into ongoing regional dynamics, including theMiddle East situation. Qatar, a major investor in Pakistan with over $3billion in commitments through the Qatar Investment Authority as of 2025,plays a pivotal role in Pakistan’s energy security, supplying around 30% ofits liquefied natural gas needs, according to the Pakistan Ministry ofEnergy reports. These interactions aim to deepen economic ties amid globalenergy fluctuations.
These diplomatic exchanges occur amid heightened regional instability,particularly in the Middle East following the fragile Gaza ceasefire underthe US-led “Board of Peace” initiative announced in January 2026. Pakistan,alongside Turkey and Qatar, has joined this board comprising Saudi Arabia,Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, and the UAE, as reported by Reuters. Thisparticipation reflects their collective effort to oversee ceasefireimplementation and Gaza’s reconstruction, despite Israeli objections toTurkey and Qatar’s involvement due to their perceived ties with Hamas.
Pakistan’s foreign policy under Ishaq Dar has increasingly focused onmultilateralism, evident from its active role in organizations like theOrganization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Data from the OIC indicates thatjoint resolutions on Palestine have surged by 40% since 2024, with Pakistanco-sponsoring several. The recent calls build on prior engagements, such asDar’s meeting with Fidan at the OIC summit in September 2025, where theydiscussed modalities for lasting peace in Palestine, per the Ministry ofForeign Affairs press releases.
Turkey’s strategic importance to Pakistan extends beyond diplomacy intodefense collaboration. Recent developments include talks on expanding theSaudi-Pakistan defense pact to include Turkey, as analyzed by The New Arabin January 2026. This potential “Islamic NATO” could reshape regionalsecurity architecture, with Pakistan providing military expertise andTurkey offering advanced drone technology. Bilateral military exerciseshave increased twofold since 2023, enhancing interoperability, according toPakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations.
Qatar’s relationship with Pakistan is equally robust, marked by significantlabor migration and investment. Over 200,000 Pakistanis work in Qatar,remitting about $2.5 billion annually, contributing 15% to Pakistan’s totalremittances as per World Bank data for 2025. The discussions likelyaddressed expanding defense cooperation, following President Asif AliZardari’s offer in November 2025, reported by TRT World, amid broaderregional alliances forming in response to Iran-related tensions.
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Global developments discussed probably encompassed the Iran crisis, withArab News reporting on January 14, 2026, that Pakistan and Qatar leadersdeliberated on Middle East tensions. For Pakistan, escalation could disruptenergy supplies and shipping routes, potentially increasing oil prices by20%, impacting its economy reliant on imports. These talks aim to mitigatesuch risks through coordinated diplomatic efforts.
The emphasis on post-Davos developments suggests alignment on economicagendas. The World Economic Forum 2026 focused on resilient supply chainsand sustainable development, where Pakistan, Turkey, and Qatar advocatedfor inclusive growth in the Global South. IMF data shows Pakistan’s GDPgrowth projected at 3.5% for 2026, bolstered by foreign investments fromallies like Qatar, which pledged an additional $1 billion in infrastructureprojects last year.
These engagements reinforce Pakistan’s pivot towards strengthening tieswith Muslim-majority nations to counterbalance influences from majorpowers. Historical data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reveals over50 high-level exchanges with Turkey and Qatar in the past five years,fostering trust and cooperation. As global challenges mount, such dialoguesare crucial for promoting peace and economic stability in the region.
In conclusion, Ishaq Dar’s proactive diplomacy exemplifies Pakistan’scommitment to regional harmony and international collaboration. Byaddressing mutual concerns with key partners, Pakistan positions itself asa mediator in complex geopolitical scenarios, potentially yieldinglong-term benefits in trade, security, and development.
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