Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on Iran and the United States to exercise restraint and avoid any further escalation, saying that dialogue remains the best way to resolve the growing tensions in the Middle East.
_x000D_The appeal came during a meeting with Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, who is visiting Pakistan as part of a high-level delegation for talks with the country’s political and military leadership.
_x000D_ _x000D_Pakistan Reaffirms Commitment to Peace
_x000D_During the meeting at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad, Shehbaz said Pakistan would continue working to promote regional peace and stability. He described the country as an honest and sincere partner willing to support diplomatic efforts whenever needed.
_x000D_The prime minister stressed that meaningful negotiations, rather than military confrontation, were essential for preventing further instability across the region.
_x000D_He also conveyed his greetings and best wishes to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian while recalling his recent visit to Tehran.
_x000D_ _x000D_Strengthening Bilateral Relations
_x000D_The two leaders discussed a range of issues, including bilateral cooperation, regional security and shared interests between the neighbouring countries.
_x000D_Momeni thanked Pakistan for its diplomatic engagement and praised its efforts to encourage dialogue during recent regional tensions. He also acknowledged the role played by Prime Minister Shehbaz, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in supporting diplomatic initiatives, including the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
_x000D_The Iranian minister also expressed appreciation for Shehbaz’s visit to Tehran earlier this month.
_x000D_ _x000D_Security Talks at GHQ
_x000D_As part of his visit, Momeni also met Field Marshal Asim Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
_x000D_According to Pakistan’s military, the meeting focused on regional security, border management and expanding cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
_x000D_Both sides agreed to continue close coordination on security matters while working together to promote peace and stability across the region.
_x000D_ _x000D_Visit Comes at a Sensitive Time
_x000D_Momeni’s visit comes as Iran and the United States remain locked in renewed tensions, particularly over developments in the Strait of Hormuz.
_x000D_Although diplomatic contacts between the two countries continue through mediators, recent military incidents have raised concerns that the situation could deteriorate further.
_x000D_Pakistan has repeatedly encouraged both sides to return to negotiations and has reaffirmed its willingness to support any effort aimed at reducing tensions and promoting lasting peace in the region.
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