Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed hope on Wednesday that a peace deal between the United States and Iran would materialize soon, during a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The Iranian president appreciated Pakistan's role in the negotiations so far, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.
Pakistan's Mediation Role
In recent months, Pakistan has drawn international attention for its involvement in mediation efforts between Iran and the US amid the Middle East crisis. On February 28, the US and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran, prompting Tehran to retaliate with strikes on Israel and other Gulf countries hosting US assets. Pakistan subsequently positioned itself as a key mediator for peace, brokering a two-week ceasefire and hosting the highest-level US-Iran talks since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Although the "Islamabad Talks" ended without agreement, the ceasefire was held and later extended upon Islamabad's request. Since then, the two sides have been exchanging proposals and counter-proposals to reach a middle ground and resume a second round of direct talks aimed at ending the conflict, which has already disrupted global energy supplies and daily life across the region.
Eid Greetings and Regional Peace Efforts
In a post on X, the government said the Iranian president called PM Shehbaz to exchange greetings for Eidul Azha. "During their warm and cordial conversation that lasted around thirty minutes, the two leaders exchanged Eid greetings and conveyed best wishes to each other, the peoples of their two countries as well as the Muslim Ummah on this joyous occasion," the statement said. The Iranian president expressed profound gratitude to the prime minister and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for Pakistan's important role in the efforts to bring peace to the region. He also appreciated the fact that other regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye, were also on board in these peace efforts. The prime minister appreciated the Iranian president's kind words and stated that Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had undoubtedly made tireless efforts to bring peace to the region.
PM Shehbaz's Optimism for Enduring Agreement
In a separate post on X, PM Shehbaz said he expressed hope that the ongoing peace efforts would soon lead to an "enduring agreement, paving the way for regional stability, prosperity and cooperation." He further reiterated Pakistan's unwavering solidarity with the brotherly people of Iran over the tragic loss of precious lives during the current crisis and emphasized that Pakistan will always stand by Iran as a sincere friend and neighbor. Both leaders agreed to remain in close coordination in pursuit of lasting peace in the region.
Conversations with Kuwait and Malaysia
The prime minister had similar conversations with Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled Al Hamad Al Mubarak Al Sabah and Malaysian Premier Anwar Ibrahim. While appreciating Pakistan's important role in the ongoing regional peace efforts, the crown prince said that Kuwait was fully supportive of Pakistan. PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan's solidarity with the leadership and people of Kuwait on the loss of lives and property resulting from the attacks during the current conflict. The two leaders discussed the ongoing regional situation and underscored the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and collective efforts for lasting peace and stability. The crown prince also mentioned that Qatar's emir was full of praise and respect for the prime minister and wished Pakistan every success in the peace efforts.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian premier acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan's "remarkable role" in the ceasefire in the Gulf and the ongoing peace efforts to ensure an enduring peace settlement in the region. He prayed to Allah to give more strength and success to the prime minister and his team. PM Shehbaz thanked his Malaysian counterpart for strongly supporting Pakistan's peace initiative and briefed him on the latest developments in the peace efforts. The Malaysian premier was effusive in his praise for Pakistan's peace initiative, which he said was in accordance with the ideology and vision of the Quaid-e-Azam. PM Shehbaz thanked Prime Minister Ibrahim for Malaysia's steadfast support for Pakistan's sincere peace efforts, and exchanged views on the latest regional developments. He emphasized that the progress achieved thus far would not have been possible without the support of brotherly countries, including Malaysia, while also acknowledging the untiring efforts of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in advancing the peace process. Both leaders expressed deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza and Lebanon and reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, dialogue, and diplomacy.
