Islamabad (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday urged Iran and all parties involved in the ongoing regional tensions to exercise restraint and protect the “hard-earned” peace achieved in recent months, as renewed military escalation threatens the Pakistan-brokered peace process.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Shehbaz held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, during which both leaders discussed the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.
Expressing deep concern over the latest escalation, the prime minister stressed the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region and called on all sides to avoid actions that could undermine recent diplomatic progress.
He emphasized the importance of honouring commitments made under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), describing the agreement as an enduring framework for promoting mutual understanding, regional stability and shared prosperity.
The conversation came a day after Iranian forces launched attacks on US military installations in Gulf states in response to fresh American strikes on Iranian military sites, placing additional strain on the three-week-old ceasefire facilitated by Pakistan.
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Iranian media reported explosions in several southern cities, including Bushehr, Konarak, Choghadak and Bandar Abbas, following the latest round of hostilities.
During the call, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and assured President Pezeshkian that Islamabad would continue playing an honest and constructive role in facilitating dialogue and supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation.
President Pezeshkian thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and other Pakistani officials for attending the funeral of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The Iranian president also reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to peace and appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts and constructive role in promoting regional stability.
The two leaders also reviewed progress on decisions taken during President Pezeshkian’s visit to Islamabad last month and agreed to accelerate implementation of measures aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in multiple sectors.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz conveyed his respectful regards and best wishes to Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, while both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and continue consultations on regional developments and issues of mutual interest.
Separately, the prime minister also spoke by telephone with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, expressing Pakistan’s solidarity with the people of Qatar amid the ongoing regional tensions.
In a post on X, PM Shehbaz said he underscored the importance of restraint, dialogue and diplomacy to preserve regional peace and thanked the Qatari leadership for its support in the peace efforts that led to the Islamabad MoU. He reaffirmed Pakistan and Qatar’s shared commitment to promoting peace, stability and prosperity across the region.
