As tensions with India soar, Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar rang up his Chinese counterpart in a desperate bid to seek Beijing's support against what Islamabad described as "India’s unilateral and illegal actions". Not only Beijing, Dar also spent his day contacting British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and other regional counterparts to discuss the evolving situation.
As per local Pakistani media reports, Dar held a telephone conversation with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi to brief him about the situation. A statement from Dar's office said the two leaders "opposed unilateralism and hegemonic policies". The statement said Dar "categorically rejected India’s unilateral and illegal actions, as well as its baseless propaganda against Pakistan".
However, Chinese state media Global Times said the phone call was made upon Pakistan's request and supported the prompt initiation of an impartial investigation. It hoped both sides will exercise restraint, the report added.
The carefully worded statement from Beijing said "combating terrorism constitutes a shared responsibility of all nations, and China consistently supports Pakistan's firm counter-terrorism actions."
After Wang, Dar also rang Lammy who "stressed the importance of resolving the issue and reducing tensions through dialogue and peaceful means."
The Pakistan Foreign Minister also contacted Saudi Arabia, Iran Egypt and Turkiye. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and stated that he would welcome any efforts by Tehran to promote peace between Islamabad and New Delhi.
Pakistan's panic calls come as a report emerged in The New York Times that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached out to over a dozen world leaders. Diplomats from 100 missions in New Delhi have also been called for briefings. However, India is not rallying the international community for help to de-escalate tensions with Pakistan, the report added.
"Instead, according to four diplomatic officials aware of the discussions, New Delhi appears to be building a case for military action against its neighbour and archenemy," the report said.
