PM offers condolences over 1,900 Iranian deaths as Pakistan pressures several stakeholders to engage in peace talks
A combined photo of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. PHOTOS: FILE
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held an hour-long telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday, as Islamabad stepped up diplomatic efforts to defuse growing tensions in the Middle East and position itself as a key mediator.
Phone call between Prime Minister and Iranian President
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with His Excellency Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, earlier today.
During their detailed conversation,…
– Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 28, 2026
According to a statement issued on
Shehbaz strongly condemned “continued Israeli attacks on Iran, including recent strikes against civilian infrastructure”, reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity and support for the Iranian people during what he described as a “difficult period”.
Shehbaz also condoled the loss of over 1,900 lives and prayed for the recovery of the injured and displaced.
Read: Why is Pakistan participating in efforts to end the war in Iran?
The prime minister briefed the Iranian president on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts, which include engagements with the United States as well as “brotherly” Gulf and Islamic countries. These efforts, he said, aim to create an environment conducive to dialogue and possible peace talks.
He also highlighted what Islamabad sees as growing international support for its peace initiative, expressing hope that collective efforts could help chart a viable path toward ending the conflict.
President Pezeshkian, while appreciating Pakistan’s diplomatic role, shared Tehran’s view on the hostilities and underlined the importance of trust-building as a prerequisite for meaningful negotiations. He praised Islamabad’s efforts and its favorable stance towards seeking regional peace.
In response, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to playing a constructive role in promoting stability and facilitating dialogue.
Learn more: Pakistan offers to host Iran-US talks
In a parallel development that highlights Islamabad’s growing diplomatic activity, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt would visit Pakistan on March 29-30 for consultations.
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty are expected to hold in-depth discussions with Pakistani leaders on a range of issues, including efforts to defuse regional tensions.
The visiting dignitaries will also call on the Prime Minister, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
These back-to-back diplomatic engagements highlight Pakistan’s emerging role at the center of efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East, with Islamabad seeking to leverage its ties with multiple stakeholders to facilitate dialogue between the rival parties.
