Diplomatic Row: Hina Rabbani Slams Jaishankar Over ‘Dalal’ Remark

Pakistan has recently been attempting to project itself as a peacemaker, especially by talking about mediating peace between Iran and the United States. However, India’s recent statement appears to have angered Islamabad. The remark did not go down well with Pakistan and triggered a strong reaction. Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, was the first to respond sharply, dismissing the Indian statement with contempt and calling it undiplomatic.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has intensified global political tensions. While relations between Iran, Israel, and the United States remain highly strained, Pakistan has now dragged India into the debate. The controversy was triggered by a recent statement from India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, which sparked a political storm in Islamabad.

During an all-party meeting, Jaishankar spoke about the current conflict in West Asia and questioned Pakistan’s attempts to present itself as a mediator. He stated clearly that India is not part of such political maneuvering, adding that India is not a “broker nation.” The remark drew sharp reactions from Pakistan’s government as well as several political leaders, including former Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar.

Pakistan has recently been trying to portray itself as a peacemaker, offering to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States. However, India’s statement angered Islamabad. Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi reacted strongly, dismissing the Indian remarks as undiplomatic and rejecting them with contempt.

The controversy escalated further when former Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar joined the debate. Criticizing Jaishankar’s comments on social media, she described such statements as political theatrics that risk affecting the entire region. She also expressed concern that the region was increasingly becoming hostage to such rhetoric.

At the heart of the dispute lies Pakistan’s effort to position itself as a potential mediator between Iran and the United States. Islamabad has been attempting to maintain close ties with both sides—drawing closer to Washington while simultaneously projecting itself as a friend of Tehran. Pakistan has reportedly even proposed hosting talks between Iranian and American representatives on its soil to discuss a possible ceasefire.

India, however, has made it clear that it does not intend to be part of such mediation politics. Following Jaishankar’s remarks, tensions have risen in Pakistan’s political circles, and the war of words between leaders from both countries has become increasingly visible.