Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on Iran and other parties involved in the Middle East conflict to exercise restraint.
- The call came during a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who thanked Pakistan for its support.
- PM Shehbaz underscored the importance of upholding commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on Iran and all other parties involved in the Middle East conflict to exercise restraint, urging them not to jeopardise the ‘hard-earned peace gains’ achieved over the past few months. This call came during a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, where both leaders expressed deep concern over the recent escalation of hostilities.
The tension in the region has been exacerbated by recent events, including Iranian attacks on ships in the strategic Strait of Hormuz and subsequent US strikes on Iranian targets. These actions have led to a renewed focus on regional stability and peace efforts. According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Shehbaz expressed his ‘deep concern’ over the escalation and underscored the urgent need for restoring regional peace and stability.
During the call, PM Shehbaz highlighted the importance of upholding commitments made under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU is described as an enduring framework for promoting mutual understanding, respect, and shared prosperity in the region. He further stressed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and its readiness to continue playing a role in facilitating dialogue and supporting all peace efforts between Washington and Tehran.
The PMO statement noted that both leaders also reviewed the implementation of decisions made during Pezeshkian's visit to Islamabad last month, agreeing to expedite follow-up actions. Additionally, PM Shehbaz conveyed his regards and best wishes to current supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, while both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and continue consultations on matters of mutual interest and regional peace.
Earlier this week, Pakistan had also expressed deep concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East. In a statement from the Foreign Office, it was noted that ‘a renewed conflict is in no one’s interest’. The statement called for all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from any actions that may further undermine regional peace and stability.
This is not the first time the US and Iran have exchanged strikes despite a ceasefire being in place since April. Last month, the US carried out attacks in Iran in response to what was described as an ongoing threat. The recent calls for peace come amid continued tensions between the two nations over issues such as nuclear programmes, regional influence, and the conflict in Syria.
In his conversation with President Pezeshkian, PM Shehbaz also thanked Qatar’s emir for his support in facilitating dialogue and promoting regional stability. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and continue consultations on matters of mutual interest and regional peace.
