Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged Iran and the United States to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation in the Middle East. He said dialogue remains the best way to resolve growing regional tensions.
The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting with Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, who arrived in Pakistan with a high-level delegation for talks with Pakistani political and military leaders.
Pakistan Reaffirms Commitment to Peace
During the meeting at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan would continue supporting regional peace and stability.
He described Pakistan as an honest and sincere partner that remains ready to assist diplomatic efforts when necessary.
The prime minister stressed that negotiations, rather than military confrontation, offer the best path to preventing further instability.
He also conveyed his greetings to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. He also recalled his recent visit to Tehran.
Pakistan and Iran Discuss Bilateral Cooperation
Shehbaz Sharif and Momeni discussed bilateral relations, regional security and issues of mutual interest.
Momeni thanked Pakistan for its diplomatic engagement and praised Islamabad’s efforts to encourage dialogue during recent regional tensions.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to diplomatic initiatives, including the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
The Iranian minister also expressed appreciation for Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Tehran.
Iranian Minister Meets Asim Munir at GHQ
During his Pakistan visit, Momeni also met Field Marshal Asim Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
According to the Pakistani military, the talks covered regional security, border management and cooperation between Pakistan and Iran.
Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination on security issues. They also expressed support for efforts to strengthen peace and stability across the region.
Visit Comes Amid US-Iran Tensions
Momeni’s visit comes at a sensitive time as tensions between Iran and the United States remain high, particularly over developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
Although diplomatic contacts continue through intermediaries, recent military incidents have raised concerns about further escalation.
Pakistan has repeatedly called on both sides to return to negotiations. Islamabad has also expressed its willingness to support diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions.
For Pakistan, maintaining stable relations with neighbouring Iran while encouraging dialogue between Tehran and Washington remains an important part of its broader regional diplomacy.
