PM Engages Iran as Pakistan Pushes Peace in Mideast Conflict
News Desk
Islamabad: As the Middle East conflict continues to escalate, Shehbaz Sharif has ramped up Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach, positioning the country as a key mediator in efforts to defuse tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States.
In a detailed telephone conversation lasting over an hour with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday, the prime minister outlined Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at creating space for dialogue and eventual peace talks as the conflict entered its second month.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong condemnation of Israeli attacks on Iran, particularly recent strikes on civilian infrastructure, and expressed solidarity with the Iranian people.
He also conveyed condolences over the reported loss of more than 1,900 lives and prayed for the recovery of those injured and displaced.
The prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s active engagement with key global and regional players, including outreach led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.
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These efforts, he noted, are focused on facilitating dialogue by engaging Washington as well as Gulf and Islamic countries.
President Pezeshkian, while appreciating Islamabad’s role, shared Tehran’s perspective on the conflict and underscored the importance of trust-building measures to enable meaningful negotiations.
He also acknowledged Pakistan’s constructive efforts toward promoting peace.
Diplomatic sources indicate that Pakistan, in coordination with Turkiye and Egypt, has been involved in back-channel communications between Washington and Tehran, relaying messages to prevent further escalation.
Recent contacts reportedly included communication between Field Marshal Asim Munir and US President Donald Trump, as part of broader mediation efforts.
While Pakistan conveyed a US proposal to Iran earlier this week, Tehran has reportedly rejected the offer, maintaining that any end to hostilities must align with its own conditions, including cessation of attacks, security guarantees, reparations, and recognition of its position over the Strait of Hormuz.
In a parallel diplomatic push, Pakistan is set to host a high-level quadrilateral meeting in Islamabad on March 29–30, bringing together foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt. The talks will focus on coordinated efforts to de-escalate the crisis and strengthen regional cooperation.
Officials say the initiative reflects Pakistan’s growing diplomatic engagement and its attempt to play a stabilizing role in a conflict that continues to impact the wider Middle East.
