By Our Correspondent
ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian held a telephone conversation on Thursday, reaffirming their commitment to regional peace and stability while emphasizing the importance of dialogue, restraint and stronger bilateral cooperation amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.
During the discussion, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed Pakistan’s deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region and stressed that all parties should exercise maximum restraint to prevent further escalation.
He said peace and stability remain essential for the prosperity of the region and urged all concerned countries to avoid actions that could undermine diplomatic efforts made in recent months.
The prime minister highlighted the significance of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, describing it as an important framework for promoting mutual trust, peaceful coexistence and long-term regional cooperation.
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He said all parties should honour the commitments made under the agreement, adding that continued adherence to diplomatic understandings could help reduce tensions and encourage constructive engagement.
Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding policy of supporting peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.
He assured the Iranian president that Pakistan would continue playing a positive and constructive role in regional peace efforts while encouraging all stakeholders to pursue negotiations instead of confrontation.
According to officials, both leaders exchanged views on recent regional developments and discussed measures to strengthen bilateral relations in various sectors.
President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic support and thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz along with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and other senior Pakistani representatives for attending the funeral and burial ceremonies of the late Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
The Iranian president described Pakistan’s participation as a reflection of the close relationship between the two neighbouring countries.
He also reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region while acknowledging Pakistan’s continued efforts to encourage dialogue during periods of heightened tension.
The two leaders reviewed progress made on agreements reached during President Pezeshkian’s recent visit to Islamabad.
They agreed to accelerate implementation of decisions aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy, border management and regional connectivity.
Officials said both governments remain committed to strengthening economic relations and enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The discussion also covered ongoing efforts to improve communication between relevant ministries and institutions responsible for implementing bilateral agreements.
Prime Minister Shehbaz noted that stronger cooperation between Pakistan and Iran would contribute not only to bilateral relations but also to wider regional peace and economic development.
He said neighbouring countries must continue working together to address shared challenges through consultation and mutual respect.
The two leaders also emphasized the importance of maintaining regular diplomatic engagement to resolve differences peacefully and avoid misunderstandings that could increase regional instability.
Pakistan has consistently advocated dialogue as the preferred means of resolving international disputes and has repeatedly called for restraint during periods of regional conflict.
Foreign policy analysts believe continued communication between regional leaders remains important as tensions in the Middle East continue to affect international security, trade routes and global energy markets.
Observers say Pakistan’s balanced diplomatic approach reflects its desire to maintain friendly relations with all regional countries while supporting peaceful conflict resolution.
The conversation concluded with both leaders agreeing to remain in close contact and continue consultations on matters of mutual concern.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also conveyed his best wishes to Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, reaffirming Pakistan’s respect for the people of Iran and its commitment to maintaining strong bilateral ties.
Officials said the telephone conversation demonstrated the shared commitment of Islamabad and Tehran to expanding cooperation while supporting diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing tensions across the region.
Both governments expressed hope that sustained dialogue, mutual understanding and implementation of existing agreements would contribute to lasting peace, regional stability and stronger cooperation between Pakistan and Iran in the months ahead.
