ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has officially joined the China-led International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed), becoming one of the early negotiating partners and co-signatories of the initiative, which aims to promote peaceful dispute resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
The development marks a significant diplomatic step for Pakistan, aligning itself more closely with China’s growing influence in international governance mechanisms. The IOMed, first proposed by China in 2019, is envisioned as a multilateral platform to resolve international disputes through mediation rather than confrontation, particularly among developing nations and countries in the Global South.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed its formal accession to the organisation on Thursday. The statement said Pakistan had been part of the initiative since its conceptual stages and played a constructive role as an early negotiator and supporter of the framework.
"Pakistan’s decision to join the International Organisation for Mediation is consistent with its longstanding policy of promoting peaceful dispute resolution through diplomacy and mutual understanding," the ministry said. It added that Pakistan believes IOMed will provide an inclusive, impartial, and effective forum for mediating international disputes outside traditional forums like the United Nations Security Council, which some developing countries view as slow and politically constrained.
The formal signing ceremony took place in Beijing, where representatives of several participating countries gathered to endorse the framework and set its foundational principles. Foreign Office officials represented Pakistan at the event and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to peaceful engagement in international affairs.
Analysts view Pakistan’s participation as a strategic alignment with China’s broader vision of reshaping global governance systems. As a major partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Pakistan has supported Beijing’s multilateral initiatives aimed at offering alternatives to Western-dominated institutions.
China’s foreign ministry praised Pakistan’s role in shaping IOMed’s mandate and highlighted Islamabad’s “early and constructive engagement.” The ministry added that IOMed would operate on the principles of respect for sovereignty, non-interference, equality, and consensus-building.
The timing of Pakistan’s membership also coincides with heightened geopolitical tensions in various regions, including South Asia, the Middle East, and the South China Sea. In this context, IOMed is being positioned as a platform that can address disputes before they escalate into open conflict.
Experts suggest that IOMed could offer a useful channel for countries like Pakistan to raise regional concerns in a less confrontational setting, potentially including issues like Kashmir, water disputes, or trade disagreements. However, its effectiveness will depend on the credibility and neutrality of the forum as it gains international legitimacy.
Pakistan’s move comes amid its broader diplomatic pivot toward strengthening relations with non-Western powers, particularly China and Russia. The country has been seeking greater inclusion in emerging multilateral platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS-related initiatives.
For Islamabad, joining IOMed reflects not just a commitment to conflict resolution, but also a desire to participate in shaping new global norms. It remains to be seen how many more nations join the initiative and whether IOMed can develop into a credible mediator in global and regional affairs.
As one of the early co-signatories, Pakistan is expected to play a key role in setting the tone for the organisation’s future.
