Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed his country’s unwavering commitment to fostering regional peace and security during a 45-minute telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Context of the Dialogue:
- US-Iran Mediation: This discussion follows President Donald Trump’s confirmation that US representatives are heading to Islamabad for a second round of talks with Iran.
- Critical Ceasefire: The call comes amidst a two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, mediated by Pakistan, which is set to expire on April 22.
- Previous Negotiations: The first round of historic direct talks, held in Islamabad on April 11-12, concluded without a formal agreement, highlighting the complexity of the diplomatic mission.
Key Highlights of the Discussion:
- Diplomatic Appreciation: PM Sharif thanked President Pezeshkian for sending a high-level delegation, led by Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, to the initial talks.
- Global Outreach: The Prime Minister updated the Iranian President on his recent consultations with world leaders, including those from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye, regarding the regional situation.
- Iranian Response: President Pezeshkian expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s persistent peace efforts and emphasized that bilateral ties between Iran and Pakistan will continue to strengthen in the future.
This diplomatic engagement underscores Pakistan’s evolving role as a key mediator in the Middle East, particularly during the ongoing tensions that escalated following military actions earlier this year.
