PM Shehbaz hopes for peace deal soon as Iran’s Pezeshkian expresses appreciation for Pakistan’s role in talks

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed hope to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for a peace deal to be realized soon between the United States and the Islamic Republic, as the latter appreciated Pakistan’s role in the negotiations so far.

In recent months, Pakistan has attracted international attention for its involvement in mediation efforts between Iran and the United States amid the Middle East crisis. On February 28, the United States and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran. Tehran retaliated with attacks on Israel and other Gulf countries that host US assets.

Pakistan subsequently positioned itself as a key broker for peace, brokering a two-week ceasefire and hosting the highest-level US-Iran talks since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Although the “Islamabad Talks” ended without an agreement, the ceasefire was held and later extended at Islamabad’s request. Since then, the two sides have exchanged proposals and counter-proposals in an attempt to reach a middle ground and resume a second round of direct talks aimed at ending the conflict, which has already disrupted global energy supplies and daily life across the region.

In a statement on X today, the government said the Iranian president called Prime Minister Shehbaz to exchange greetings on Eidul Azha.

“During their warm and cordial conversation which lasted about thirty minutes, the two leaders exchanged Eid greetings and conveyed best wishes to each other, the people of their two countries as well as the Muslim Ummah on this joyous occasion.

“The Iranian President expressed his deep gratitude to the Prime Minister and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for Pakistan’s important role in efforts to bring peace to the region,” the statement said.

It added that he also appreciated that other regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye, were also joining these peace efforts.

“The Prime Minister appreciated the kind words of the Iranian President to him and his team and stated that Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had undoubtedly made tireless efforts to bring peace to the region.”

In a separate post on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz said he expressed hope that the ongoing peace effort would soon lead to a “lasting agreement that paved the way for regional stability, prosperity and cooperation”.

He further said, “I reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the brotherly people of Iran over the tragic loss of precious lives during the current crisis and emphasized that Pakistan will always stand by Iran as a sincere friend and neighbor.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz said both agreed to remain in close coordination in pursuit of lasting peace in the region.

“While appreciating Pakistan’s important role in the ongoing regional peace efforts, the Crown Prince said Kuwait fully supported Pakistan,” a statement on the government’s X account said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz later said he reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with the leadership and people of Kuwait regarding the loss of life and property as a result of the attacks during the current conflict. “We discussed the ongoing regional situation and emphasized the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and collective efforts for lasting peace and stability,” he said.

According to the PMO, the Crown Prince said the Emir of Qatar was “full of praise and respect for the Prime Minister and he wished Pakistan all the best in its peace efforts”.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian premier acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan’s “remarkable role” in the Gulf ceasefire and ongoing peace efforts to ensure a lasting peace settlement in the region.

“He prayed to Allah to give more strength and success to the Prime Minister and his team. While thanking his Malaysian counterpart for strongly supporting Pakistan’s peace initiative, the Prime Minister briefed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the latest developments in the peace efforts.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz said he thanked Prime Minister Ibrahim for “Malaysia’s steadfast support to Pakistan’s sincere peace efforts”, and exchanged views on recent regional developments.

“I emphasized that the progress achieved so far would not have been possible without the support of the brotherly countries, including Malaysia, while acknowledging the tireless efforts of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar to advance the peace process. We also expressed deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza and expressed our commitment to peace in Gaza, and reaffirmed our commitment to, once again, peace in Lebanon. and diplomacy.”

According to the PMO, the Malaysian premier was “effusive in his praise for Pakistan’s peace initiative, which he said was in line with Quaid-e-Azam’s ideology and vision”.