ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday told Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian that Islamabad is intensifying a broad diplomatic outreach aimed at reducing tensions and paving the way for potential talks between the United States and Iran.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif held a telephone conversation lasting more than an hour with President Pezeshkian, during which the two leaders engaged in what was described as “extensive discussions” on regional hostilities and ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions.
Sharif briefed the Iranian president on Pakistan’s mediation initiative, which is being pursued in coordination with Turkey and Egypt, placing Islamabad at the centre of a wider regional diplomatic effort to prevent further escalation.
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The statement said the prime minister apprised the Iranian president of the diplomatic outreach currently being undertaken by himself, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Field Marshal Gen Asim Munir to engage the United States, Gulf states, and other Muslim-majority countries in an effort to “create a conducive environment for peace talks.”
He said all these efforts are aimed at engaging Washington, Gulf states, and other Muslim-majority countries to help “create a conducive environment” for dialogue.
He also briefed the Iranian president on the “strong endorsement” of Pakistan’s peace initiative, expressing hope that a collective effort could identify a viable path to ending hostilities.
Prime Minister Sharif also conveyed what the statement described as “strong endorsement” from international interlocutors for Pakistan’s efforts, expressing hope that a coordinated diplomatic approach could help identify a path towards easing hostilities.
The government reiterated its condemnation of Israeli strikes on Iranian territory, including alleged attacks on civilian infrastructure, and expressed solidarity with the Iranian people. It cited reports of casualties exceeding 1,900 and extended condolences to those affected.
Pezeshkian welcomed Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement and underscored the need for trust-building measures to enable dialogue and mediation, according to the statement.
He also praised Islamabad’s role in promoting regional stability.
In a post on X, Sharif said he had held a “detailed telephone conversation” with President Pezeshkian lasting more than an hour, reiterating Pakistan’s condemnation of what he described as continued Israeli attacks, including strikes on civilian infrastructure.
He expressed solidarity with the people of Iran, conveyed condolences over the reported loss of life, and wished a swift recovery to those injured or displaced.
The prime minister said he had apprised the Iranian president of Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach, including engagement with the United States as well as “brotherly Gulf and Islamic countries” aimed at facilitating dialogue and de-escalation.
He also thanked Pezeshkian for acknowledging what he described as Pakistan’s “sincere efforts” to advance peace in the region. Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to playing a constructive role in efforts to reduce tensions and promote stability.
The latest diplomatic activity comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with observers warning that continued escalation could draw in multiple regional and international actors, with implications for global security and energy markets.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026