ISLAMABAD: In a significant diplomatic move amid escalating global tensions, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar conducted separate telephone conversations with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan and Qatar’s Minister of State Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi. These discussions, held on January 24, 2026, focused on reviewing outcomes from the recent World Economic Forum in Davos and addressing pressing regional and international issues. This engagement underscores Pakistan’s proactive role in fostering multilateral dialogue to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes.
The conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan highlighted the shared commitment between Pakistan and Turkey to collaborate on key regional matters. According to the Foreign Office, both leaders reviewed bilateral engagements and evolving international developments, agreeing to maintain close contact. This comes against the backdrop of strengthened Pakistan-Turkey ties, with trade volumes reaching approximately $1.2 billion in 2025, up from $900 million in 2023, as per data from the State Bank of Pakistan. Such economic interdependence bolsters their strategic partnership 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 mutual interests. The talks delved into ongoing regional dynamics, including the Middle East situation. Qatar, a major investor in Pakistan with over $3 billion in commitments through the Qatar Investment Authority as of 2025, plays a pivotal role in Pakistan’s energy security, supplying around 30% of its liquefied natural gas needs, according to the Pakistan Ministry of Energy reports. These interactions aim to deepen economic ties amid global energy fluctuations.
These diplomatic exchanges occur amid heightened regional instability, particularly in the Middle East following the fragile Gaza ceasefire under the 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. This participation reflects their collective effort to oversee ceasefire implementation and Gaza’s reconstruction, despite Israeli objections to Turkey and Qatar’s involvement due to their perceived ties with Hamas.
Pakistan’s foreign policy under Ishaq Dar has increasingly focused on multilateralism, evident from its active role in organizations like the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Data from the OIC indicates that joint resolutions on Palestine have surged by 40% since 2024, with Pakistan co-sponsoring several. The recent calls build on prior engagements, such as Dar’s meeting with Fidan at the OIC summit in September 2025, where they discussed modalities for lasting peace in Palestine, per the Ministry of Foreign Affairs press releases.
Turkey’s strategic importance to Pakistan extends beyond diplomacy into defense collaboration. Recent developments include talks on expanding the Saudi-Pakistan defense pact to include Turkey, as analyzed by The New Arab in January 2026. This potential “Islamic NATO” could reshape regional security architecture, with Pakistan providing military expertise and Turkey offering advanced drone technology. Bilateral military exercises have increased twofold since 2023, enhancing interoperability, according to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations.
Qatar’s relationship with Pakistan is equally robust, marked by significant labor migration and investment. Over 200,000 Pakistanis work in Qatar, remitting about $2.5 billion annually, contributing 15% to Pakistan’s total remittances as per World Bank data for 2025. The discussions likely addressed expanding defense cooperation, following President Asif Ali Zardari’s offer in November 2025, reported by TRT World, amid broader regional alliances forming in response to Iran-related tensions.
Global developments discussed probably encompassed the Iran crisis, with Arab News reporting on January 14, 2026, that Pakistan and Qatar leaders deliberated on Middle East tensions. For Pakistan, escalation could disrupt energy supplies and shipping routes, potentially increasing oil prices by 20%, impacting its economy reliant on imports. These talks aim to mitigate such risks through coordinated diplomatic efforts.
The emphasis on post-Davos developments suggests alignment on economic agendas. The World Economic Forum 2026 focused on resilient supply chains and sustainable development, where Pakistan, Turkey, and Qatar advocated for inclusive growth in the Global South. IMF data shows Pakistan’s GDP growth projected at 3.5% for 2026, bolstered by foreign investments from allies like Qatar, which pledged an additional $1 billion in infrastructure projects last year.
These engagements reinforce Pakistan’s pivot towards strengthening ties with Muslim-majority nations to counterbalance influences from major powers. Historical data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reveals over 50 high-level exchanges with Turkey and Qatar in the past five years, fostering trust and cooperation. As global challenges mount, such dialogues are crucial for promoting peace and economic stability in the region.
In conclusion, Ishaq Dar’s proactive diplomacy exemplifies Pakistan’s commitment to regional harmony and international collaboration. By addressing mutual concerns with key partners, Pakistan positions itself as a mediator in complex geopolitical scenarios, potentially yielding long-term benefits in trade, security, and development.
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