Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held separate telephone conversations with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Friday night, intensifying diplomatic efforts to revive the stalled US-Iran negotiations. The talks come amid heightened tensions in West Asia following recent escalations and attacks on rival targets.
Deep concern over regional escalation
In his conversation with President Pezeshkian, Prime Minister Sharif expressed "deep concern over the recent escalation in tensions in the region" and underscored the urgent need to "restore regional peace and stability," according to a statement by the PM Office. He urged all parties to "exercise restraint and refrain from any action that could jeopardise the hard-earned peace gains achieved over the past few months."
Sharif stressed the importance of upholding commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), describing it as an enduring framework for promoting mutual understanding, respect and shared prosperity in the region and beyond. Reaffirming Pakistan's steadfast commitment to regional peace, he assured Pezeshkian of Islamabad's readiness to continue playing an "honest and sincere role" in facilitating dialogue and supporting all efforts aimed at preserving peace and stability.
Iranian president thanks Pakistan
President Pezeshkian thanked Prime Minister Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and other senior Pakistani leaders for attending the funeral ceremony of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He reaffirmed Iran's commitment to peace and appreciated Pakistan's constructive support and sincere efforts for regional stability.
The two leaders reviewed the implementation of decisions taken during President Pezeshkian's visit to Islamabad last month and agreed to expedite follow-up actions to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across diverse fields. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and continue consultations on matters of mutual interest and regional peace.
Separate call with Qatar's emir
In a separate telephone conversation with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Prime Minister Sharif reiterated his "deep concern over the recent escalation in tensions in the region." While conveying Pakistan's solidarity and support with the people of Qatar on the recent attacks, he stressed that all parties exercise restraint and refrain from any actions that could undermine peace in the region.
Sharif conveyed Pakistan's sincere gratitude to the Qatari ruler for consistent and steadfast support in the peace efforts that culminated in the Islamabad MoU and the first round of high-level technical talks at Burgenstock. The two leaders agreed upon the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement and dialogue, and adherence to the commitments made by all parties under the peace memorandum.
Background of the Islamabad MoU
The US and Iran signed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding on June 18, aimed at restoring peace in West Asia. It was followed by technical-level talks in Switzerland on June 21, with Pakistan and Qatar serving as mediators. The MoU has been described as a framework for promoting mutual understanding and shared prosperity in the region.
