Pakistan reaffirms mediation efforts with Iran and the United States

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday held two major diplomatic engagements with visiting foreign ministers from Türkiye, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, focusing on regional tensions, ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, and efforts to promote de-escalation and dialogue.

In the first meeting, Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Egypt’s Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty separately called on the Prime Minister at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, National Security Adviser Lt. Gen. Muhammad Asim Malik, SAPM Tariq Fatemi, and Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch.

During the warm and cordial discussions, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed his greetings to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, recalling his recent communications with both leaders. He briefed the visiting ministers on Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach amid escalating regional tensions, stressing the urgent need for collective efforts to end hostilities that have resulted in significant loss of life and damage across several Muslim countries, including Iran.

The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to playing a constructive role in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States. Both visiting foreign ministers shared their respective national perspectives on the evolving situation and appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement, acknowledging the leadership of the Prime Minister and senior Pakistani officials in promoting peace efforts.

In a second key engagement later in the day, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s “full and unwavering solidarity” with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and praised its restraint amid the ongoing crisis.

He conveyed warm regards to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, recalling his recent interactions with the Saudi leadership, including his visit to Jeddah earlier in March.

The discussions also focused on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to support de-escalation and encourage dialogue between key international actors. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of unity among Muslim countries and Saudi Arabia’s leadership role in the Islamic world during this critical period.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan thanked the Prime Minister for the warm reception and shared Saudi Arabia’s assessment of the regional situation. Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination to support peace, stability, and diplomatic solutions in the region.