LAHORE - Amid intensifying hostilities in the Gulf region, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday held a telephonic conversation with Ebrahim Raisi urging urgent collective efforts for de-escalation and calling on all sides to return to dialogue and diplomacy.
The contact comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Iran and the United States with recent hostilities reportedly involving strikes on strategic installations and fears of disruption to key shipping routes in the Gulf. The situation has raised concerns globally over regional stability, energy supplies and the risk of a broader conflict.
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Diplomatic sources said Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan are facilitating backchannel contacts between Tehran and Washington in an effort to defuse tensions and prevent further escalation. Sharing details of Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach, he assured the Iranian leadership that Islamabad would continue to play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the region.
During the call, the prime minister also extended Eid-ul-Fitr and Nowruz greetings to the Iranian leadership and people, reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity in the wake of ongoing hostilities. President Raisi reciprocated the sentiments and conveyed his best wishes for the people of Pakistan.
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As a neighbouring and brotherly country, Shehbaz Sharif expressed strong support for Iran, offering condolences over the loss of lives and prayers for the early recovery of those injured and displaced.
Voicing serious concern over the evolving situation, the prime minister warned that continued escalation could pose a serious threat to regional peace and stability. He also underscored the importance of unity within the Muslim Ummah, terming it critical in the current circumstances.