Deputy Prime Minister Hafiz Saeed Khan Dar confirmed he will attend the R‑4 meeting in Istanbul later this month.
Turkey’s foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, extended the invitation to Dar on Wednesday, setting the stage for a high‑level gathering that will also bring together the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Egypt, alongside senior Pakistani diplomats. The R‑4 format – a quarterly dialogue among the four nations – aims to deepen coordination on security, trade and diplomatic initiatives across the wider region.
The Istanbul summit, slated for the end of August, will be the first face‑to‑face encounter between Pakistan’s senior leadership and its Middle Eastern counterparts since the launch of the R‑4 track in early 2025. Organisers expect discussions to focus on combating terrorism, securing maritime routes in the Arabian Sea, and expanding bilateral trade corridors, especially in energy and agricultural commodities. For Pakistan, participation offers a platform to showcase its growing role as a bridge between South Asia and the Gulf.
Analysts note that Dar’s presence signals Islamabad’s intent to strengthen strategic ties with Ankara, Riyadh and Cairo ahead of the upcoming South‑Asian–Middle‑Eastern summit later this year. By aligning with Turkey’s “regional hub” vision and Saudi‑Egyptian initiatives on economic diversification, Pakistan hopes to attract investment, gain support for its regional security agenda, and secure a more influential voice in shaping Middle‑Eastern policy outcomes.