ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the recent escalation of tensions in the Gulf region during a meeting with visiting Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to promoting peace, dialogue, and regional stability through diplomacy.
The meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s Office in Islamabad as part of the Iranian minister’s official visit to Pakistan. Discussions focused on bilateral relations, regional security, and the evolving geopolitical situation in the Gulf.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed the importance of restraint and urged all parties involved to avoid actions that could further destabilize the region. He emphasized that continued dialogue and diplomatic engagement remain the most effective means of resolving differences and preventing conflict.
The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding policy of supporting peaceful conflict resolution and stated that the country would continue to play the role of an honest and sincere mediator and facilitator wherever possible.
“Pakistan will continue to perform its role as an honest and sincere mediator and facilitator in promoting peace and stability,” the Prime Minister said, according to an official statement.
Shehbaz Sharif noted that lasting peace in the region requires cooperation, mutual respect, and adherence to diplomatic principles. He underscored Pakistan’s desire to maintain cordial relations with all countries in the region while encouraging constructive engagement among neighboring states.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come at a time when concerns over regional security have intensified due to recent developments in the Gulf, prompting renewed international calls for de-escalation and dialogue.
During the meeting, Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing regional tensions. He specifically praised the mediation initiatives undertaken by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
According to the Iranian minister, the leadership’s sustained diplomatic engagement contributed significantly to the successful conclusion of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which he described as an important step toward promoting regional understanding and cooperation.
Momeni acknowledged Pakistan’s constructive role in encouraging dialogue between concerned parties and appreciated Islamabad’s continued commitment to peaceful diplomacy.
The Iranian Interior Minister also thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for visiting Tehran to attend the funeral ceremony of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei. He described the Prime Minister’s presence as a gesture reflecting the close and historic ties between Pakistan and Iran.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including border security, counterterrorism, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing collaboration for the benefit of the two neighboring countries.
Pakistan and Iran share a long border and maintain regular high-level contacts aimed at improving bilateral relations and addressing common security challenges. Officials from both countries have consistently emphasized the need for greater coordination to combat terrorism, improve border management, and expand economic cooperation.
The discussions further reflected the shared desire of Islamabad and Tehran to maintain regional peace through dialogue and diplomacy rather than confrontation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that Pakistan believes peace and stability are essential for economic development and prosperity across the region. He said that reducing tensions would not only benefit the countries directly involved but would also contribute to broader regional security and economic growth.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Iran relations and reaffirming their commitment to maintaining close diplomatic engagement in the future. Officials agreed to continue consultations on issues of mutual concern while working together to promote peace, stability, and stronger bilateral cooperation.
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