Criticism is one of the most common commodities in present current affairs discourse. It turns in a mean exercise once delivered without logic having single point agenda of ditching some good idea. Unpredictably, Pakistan has emerged as a crucial mediator in the 2026 USA-Iran war, serving as a vital channel of communication to de-escalate tensions that threaten regional stability.
As of today, Pakistan is striving hard to restore peace between Washington and Tehran by engaging regional powers, and attempting to prevent a broader conflict that might fetch devastating economic and security consequences for all stake holders.
While Pakistan has taken this initiative in good faith, some ME based analysts have started criticizing the significant mediatory efforts of Pakistan. Few relevant aspects merit attention to comprehend the present constructive role of Islamabad.
The decision to assume a mediation role in this ongoing complicated conflict is rooted in regional stability, not bloc politics. As a nuclear state situated at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East, a country like Pakistan cannot afford escalation in extended neighborhood. Pakistan acts as a neutral party compared to Gulf intermediaries that are seen firmly aligned with contesting players.
Pakistan’s mediation aligns with its consistent stance of dialogue, conflict resolution and non-intervention, principles it has advocated at global forums.
Pakistan is in a delicate position, having a mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia while maintaining friendly ties with Iran. Its mediation aims to ensure it is not forced into a conflict scenario between both trusted friends ie Iran and KSA. Pakistan possesses the rare capability to engage both sides.
It has deep historic, cultural, and religious ties with Iran (sharing a 900km border) while simultaneously maintaining crucial strategic and economic ties with the United States. The US, under President Trump, has acknowledged this role at numerous occasions.
Mediation is not neutrality out of weakness but a demonstration of strategic maturity and diplomatic relevance. Pakistan is leveraging its credibility with multiple stakeholders to prevent a wider war that would destabilize the entire Arab world and beyond.
Expectation from some quarters in UAE that Pakistan should act as a bloc aligned ally reflects a transactional view of partnerships, whereas Pakistan’s foreign policy is guided by sovereign interests and regional equilibrium. Pakistan values its longstanding relations with UAE built on economic cooperation, diaspora contributions and historical goodwill.
However, no formal military alliance obliges Pakistan to take sides in extra-regional conflicts. Strategic partnerships cannot be selectively invoked. Expecting unconditional support in one theatre while maintaining strategic silence in another undermines the spirit of mutual respect. Pakistan has not chosen sides but regional peace and stability
During the May 2025 Indian aggression against Pakistan, some friendly countries including UAE never condemned Indian actions, raising legitimate questions to which Islamabad never raised eye brows considering respective national interest bindings.
Following the same logic, those friends should not expect Pakistan to compromise national interests merely on emotional wish lists. Gulf states should focus on war termination strategy. Any wrong assessment about post war environment, might endanger even non-fighting regional players as well.
Foreseeing the war potential of Gulf states as compared to US-Israel ; all efforts should be directed to avoid the expansion of the conflict. It is an Undeniable fact that all regional players can only survive peacefully by co-existing with each other without converting differences into armed conflicts. Pakistan has historically paid a heavy price for regional conflicts, including spillover of terrorism, refugee influx and economic disruption.
Therefore, de-escalation is a vital national interest. A wider conflict in Gulf region risks igniting sectarian fault lines across the Muslim world, which Pakistan seeks to actively prevent through diplomatic engagements. Pakistan’s mediation aligns with its consistent stance of dialogue, conflict resolution and non-intervention, principles it has advocated at global forums.
True partnerships are built on mutual respect for sovereignty, not expectations of alignment in every geopolitical contest. Rather than viewing mediation as divergence, regional partners should recognize it as a stabilizing contribution that ultimately benefits the entire Gulf region.
The writer is a student.