Pakistan’s diplomatic success has been on full display over the past ten days, as the government juggled meetings in Beijing and Washington.
Hosted Iran’s new president in Islamabad and prepared fresh aid for Gaza, all while setting the stage for direct talks with Kabul.
In Beijing on 24 July, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir was welcomed by China’s top diplomat Wang Yi. Calling Pakistan an “ironclad friend”.
Wang praised the army as a defender of bilateral ties and invited deeper security coordination.
The visit reaffirmed the all weather partnership at a moment when regional projects under CPEC need continued support from all concerned parties.
Pakistan’s diplomatic success: Momentum from Beijing to Washington and back to Islamabad
At the same occasion, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar sat down with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio; the first minister level encounter in three years.
The two sides spoke of trade, investment and counter terrorism.
Washington quickly followed up by appointing an acting ambassador to Islamabad, a signal that channels are reopening after a period of drift.
The diplomatic carousel then swung to Islamabad, where President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran received a red carpet welcome from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Energy links, border security and barter trade topped an agenda that both capitals said would “broaden cooperation in diverse fields”.
Humanitarian diplomacy also advanced.
On the prime minister’s instructions, the Foreign Office prepared another 100-ton relief flight for Gaza.
While publicly renewing calls for an immediate ceasefire and a two state solution on pre-1967 lines.
Sources in the Foreign Ministry add that Afghanistan’s foreign minister is expected in Islamabad this week to discuss border management and stalled commerce.
Potentially capping a ten day run in which Pakistan balanced great power outreach with neighbourhood engagement.
Observers say the stretch illustrates how sustained, multi vector contact can translate into tangible Pakistan’s diplomatic success even amid economic headwinds at home.
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