Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a telephone conversation on Saturday, with the former Pakistan’s obligation to maintain the ceasefire agreement with India, while confirming the country’s unwavering decision to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Pakistan and India were on the verge of war at a full scale after the recent escalation triggered by the Pahaldam incident. With tension that has come high, Iran offered to convey, while several world powers also stepped in to help tackle the crisis.
According to an official statement issued by the Prime Minister’s office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Deep expressed Iran’s diplomatic efforts to step down tensions in South Asia.
During the conversation, the prime minister expanded his successes to Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and thanked Tehran for his sincere and fraternal role in promoting peace in the region.
Read more: UK, OS Pushing to Maintain Armor In Pakistan India, says David Lammy
After awarding Iran’s diplomatic efforts, Prime Minister Shehbaz specifically highlighted the Iranian President’s call last month and the deployment of Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to the region during the crisis with India, recognizing both as significant movements of solidarity and support.
To condemn India’s unprovoked attack that resulted in the death of innocent civilians, including women and children, the Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan’s brave armed forces gave a responsible and appropriate answer to the aggression. He reiterated that Pakistan remains a strong spokesman for peace, and in this spirit a ceasefire accepted understanding with India – an agreement the country remains obliged to maintain.
Confirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to defending his sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs, the Prime Minister also raised concerns over India’s alleged unilateral attempt to violate the Indus Waters Treaty. He called these actions illegal and described them as a “red line” for Pakistan, given that the water resources in question are a lifeline for its 240 million people.
The prime minister also reiterated that the unresolved jammu and kashmir remains the fundamental cause of instability in South Asia. He called for a fair solution to the issue in accordance with the decisions of the United Nations Security Council and the ambitions of the Kashmiri people, identifying it as the key to lasting peace in the region.
Iranian President Pezeshkian offered compassion for the loss of civilian life during recent hostilities and praised Pakistan’s efforts at peace and welcomed the ceasefire agreement as a positive step forward. He confirmed Iran’s commitment to regional peace and stability.
Read more: PM assigns bilawal to lead the peace delegation that highlights Indian aggression abroad
The two leaders also reviewed bilateral connections and agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, especially in trade, regional connection, security and exchange of people.
In a gesture that reflected growing ties, President Pezeshkian invited the prime minister to make an official visit to Tehran, an invitation that was accepted warmly.
Formerly, LT General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), praised Iran’s peace efforts under the recent conflict in the Pakistan India and warned of “forces” seeking to create rifts between fraternal countries.
“Pakistan is deeply grateful for the international community, and we are especially appreciated by fraternal countries, including the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Gen Chaudhry told Irna in an interview published today – the first of any Pakistani armed forces spokesman for an Iranian outlets.
“We must be aware that there are forces in the region with the help of external actors trying to create misunderstandings and confusion among fraternal countries with the aim of sowing disagreement between friends and allies,” DG ISPR added.
