Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan’s Prime Minister received a telephone call from French President, Emmanuel Macron, on Thursday. The latter appreciated Pakistan’s mediatory role in the Iran and the United States ceasefire.
Macron commended Islamabad’s role in easing tensions and bringing both sides to the negotiating table; wishing PM Shehbaz Sharif the very best for the peace talks scheduled to take place in Islamabad this weekend.
Both leaders also exchanged “serious concern” over the situation in Lebanon; where Israel carried out intense airstrikes just hours after the ceasefire between Iran and the US was announced.
Lebanon declared a national day of mourning following the strikes, which reportedly killed over 200 people and injured more than 1,000, according to local authorities. Public offices were closed and flags lowered as part of the observance.
Islamabad: April 9, 2026
Prime Minister receives telephone call from the President of France
This afternoon, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from H.E. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic.
During their warm and cordial… pic.twitter.com/Rne7Kf90Ka
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) April 9, 2026
Macron and Shehbaz Sharif “stressed upon the urgent need to end the violence and killings, so that peace could be re-established in the entire region,” as per an official statement made by the Prime Minister’s office of Pakistan.
PM Sharif thanked the French president for his support and acknowledgment of Pakistan’s mediation efforts. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued commitment to promoting peace, dialogue, and stability in the region, emphasizing that diplomacy remains the only viable path forward in resolving complex geopolitical conflicts.
Separately, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has said that the ceasefire agreed between Iran and the United States should also extend to military actions in Lebanon, following recent escalations in the region.
Barrot condemned what he described as “massive” Israeli strikes carried out the previous day and emphasized the need to prevent further escalation that could undermine fragile diplomatic efforts.
