ISLAMABAD: In a phone call on Saturday, Iran’s President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of building trust to facilitate dialogue and mediation, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The conversation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East, following ongoing Iranian retaliatory attacks on US targets and infrastructure in Gulf states since February 28.
The call comes ahead of a meeting in Islamabad on March 29–30, where the foreign ministers of Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan are set to discuss measures to de-escalate regional conflict.
During the conversation, PM Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s condemnation of the continued Israeli attacks on Iran, including the latest strikes on civilian infrastructure. He briefed President Pezeshkian on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, led by himself, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, aimed at creating a conducive environment for peace talks.
The prime minister highlighted strong support for Pakistan’s peace initiative from the United States and Gulf and Islamic countries, expressing hope for a collective path toward ending hostilities. He also conveyed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Iranian people and offered condolences for the over 1,900 lives lost, while praying for the recovery of the injured and displaced.
President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement and stressed that trust is essential to advance talks and mediation efforts. He shared Iran’s perspective on ongoing hostilities by Israel and underscored the urgency of dialogue.
PM Shehbaz thanked the Iranian president and assured him that Pakistan would continue to play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability across the region.