Field Marshal Asim Munir during his visit to Azad Kashmir. Photo: ISPR
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan’s top military leaders concluded a high-level visit to Iran with a new diplomatic effort, as Islamabad steps up efforts to position itself as a mediator in the widening Middle East conflict.
According to military media reports, Chief of Inter-Services Public Relations, Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir concluded a three-day official trip to Iran, where he emphasized the need for dialogue and de-escalation to resolve tensions between the United States and Iran through sustained diplomatic engagement.
Accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and a delegation, he met with key Iranian leaders, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters Commander Ali Abdollahi.
The ISPR said the discussions focused on regional stability, evolving security environment and ongoing diplomatic engagements, with both sides exploring cooperative measures for long-term peace.
“The Marshal stressed the need for dialogue, de-escalation and peaceful resolution of outstanding issues through sustained diplomatic efforts,” the statement said.
During his visit, he conveyed goodwill messages from Pakistani leaders and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening historic ties with Tehran, while also expressing gratitude for the hospitality extended by the Iranian government and people.
The statement added that the visit reflects Pakistan’s “unwavering determination” to support a negotiated settlement to the Middle East conflict.
Alongside these efforts, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif undertook a tour of three countries: Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, where regional peace remained a central theme.
According to the government, the Prime Minister discussed bilateral relations, global developments and Pakistan’s mediation efforts during meetings with the leaders of the three countries, as well as international figures on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum 2026.
“During his visits, the Prime Minister discussed strengthening relations with brotherly countries, Pakistan’s efforts to establish peace in the region and the regional and global situation,” the X government said while leaving Antalya.
“At Antalya Airport, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Ambassador Tolga Bermek, Ambassador Nilufer Kaygisiz, Member of the Turkish Parliament Burhan Kayaturk and Pakistan Ambassador to Turkey Dr Yusuf Junaid bid farewell to the Prime Minister and the Pakistani delegation,” the statement added.
The delegation accompanying the prime minister included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Syed Tariq Fatemi and foreign media spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi.
In a message on
He said he was leaving Antalya with “precious memories” and a renewed commitment to deepening ties between Pakistan and Turkey, while reaffirming Islamabad’s resolve to work closely with Ankara to advance dialogue for regional peace.
Foreign Minister Dar described the trip as “productive and fruitful,” citing numerous bilateral commitments aimed at strengthening cooperation in key sectors.
He said the forum had become a global platform for dialogue and noted that the prime minister had an “excellent interaction” with President Erdogan, as well as multiple engagements with other world leaders.
He also expressed appreciation for the arrangements made by the Turkish government and thanked the Pakistan Embassy in Ankara for its support.
The day before, Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Erdogan reaffirmed their commitment to expanding their strategic cooperation, emphasizing their common goals of peace and prosperity.
The meeting, attended by senior officials including Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, highlighted the importance of taking advantage of the current diplomatic window to ensure lasting regional peace.
The Prime Minister also participated in a trilateral interaction with the leaders of Turkey and Qatar on the sidelines of the forum, reviewing regional developments and ongoing peace initiatives.
He arrived in Türkiye on Thursday and held several informal engagements with world leaders.
“The meetings took place in a cordial atmosphere. During the meetings, the Prime Minister remained in the center of attention of world leaders. The meetings also resulted in an exchange of views on the global situation and regional developments,” the Prime Minister’s Office said.
