Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) on Thursday strongly criticized Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The FO called his remarks on Pakistan’s mediatory role in the US-Iran conflict “undiplomatic” and labeled them “megaphone theatrics.”
Jaishankar had reportedly said that New Delhi would not act as a “Dalaal (broker) nation.” He claimed Pakistan’s role was nothing new and suggested the country had been “used” by the United States since 1981. His comments came amid Indian opposition concerns over Pakistan’s facilitation of indirect talks between Washington and Tehran.
FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the statements reflected a “deep sense of frustration.” He added that when arguments run thin, invective fills the gap. Andrabi emphasized that Pakistan’s approach is based on restraint and decorum, not rhetorical excesses.
The remarks drew criticism from multiple quarters. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif called Jaishankar a “hi-fi dalal,” saying the comments reflected personal frustration. President’s spokesperson Murtaza Solangi accused the Indian minister of “diplomatic dementia” and said he seemed infected with a self-destructive virus. Solangi also referred to Jaishankar as “Modi’s dalal,” suggesting India’s efforts to isolate Pakistan had backfired.
Former caretaker foreign minister Jalil Abbas Jilani described the choice of language as “sick” and harmful to peace. He said reducing diplomacy to name-calling may serve domestic politics, but it does nothing to advance regional stability.
Meanwhile, Pakistan is quietly preparing for a potential high-level US-Iran meeting in Islamabad. Officials say this could mark a critical diplomatic opening. Tehran initially denied any engagement with Washington but later acknowledged receiving a 15-point proposal through Pakistani intermediaries.
Pakistan’s longstanding ties with both Tehran and Washington give it a strategic advantage in mediation. Islamabad has been actively facilitating backchannel communication. Regional players, including Türkiye, are also conducting parallel diplomatic efforts.
According to reports, US Vice President JD Vance could travel to Pakistan soon, along with other senior officials, to explore possible avenues for ending the conflict. Plans remain tentative as discussions continue at the White House.
