Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday held an hour-long telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, as Islamabad has stepped up its diplomatic efforts to de-escalate rising tensions in the Middle East and position itself as a key mediator.
According to a statement posted on X by the Government of Pakistan, the two leaders discussed the evolving regional situation in detail, with a particular focus on ongoing hostilities and prospects for peace.
Shehbaz strongly condemned “the continued Israeli attacks on Iran, including recent strikes on civilian infrastructure,” reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity and support for the Iranian people during what he described as a “challenging time.”
Shehbaz also conveyed condolences over the reported loss of more than 1,900 lives and prayed for the recovery of the injured and displaced.
Read: Why is Pakistan involved in efforts to stop the war in Iran?
The prime minister briefed the Iranian president on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach, which includes engagements with the United States as well as “brotherly” Gulf and Islamic countries. The efforts, he said, are aimed at creating a conducive environment for dialogue and eventual peace talks.
He also highlighted what Islamabad sees as growing international endorsement of its peace initiative, expressing hope that collective efforts could help chart a viable path toward ending the conflict.
President Pezeshkian, while appreciating Pakistan’s diplomatic role, shared Tehran’s perspective on the hostilities and underscored the importance of trust-building as a prerequisite for meaningful negotiations. He praised Islamabad’s efforts and its supportive stance in pursuit of regional peace.
The prime minister, in response, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to playing a constructive role in promoting stability and facilitating dialogue.
Read More: Pakistan offers to host Iran-US talks
In a parallel development that underscores Islamabad’s increasing diplomatic activity, the Foreign Office announced that the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt will visit Pakistan on March 29 – 30 for consultations.
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty are expected to hold in-depth discussions with Pakistani leadership on a range of issues, including efforts to de-escalate regional tensions.
The visiting dignitaries will also call on the prime minister, according to the foreign ministry.
The back-to-back diplomatic engagements highlight Pakistan’s emerging role at the center of efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East, with Islamabad seeking to leverage its ties with multiple stakeholders to facilitate dialogue between rival sides.
