Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a telephonic conversation on Saturday, during which the former reiterated Pakistan's commitment to upholding the ceasefire agreement with India, while also affirming the country’s unwavering resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs.
Pakistan and India were on the brink of full-scale war following the recent escalation triggered by the Pahalgam incident. With tensions running high, Iran offered to mediate, while several world powers also stepped in to help defuse the crisis.
According to an official statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep appreciation for Iran’s diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in South Asia.
During the conversation, the Prime Minister extended his well-wishes for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and thanked Tehran for its sincere and brotherly role in promoting peace in the region.
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Commending Iran’s diplomatic efforts, PM Shehbaz specifically highlighted the Iranian President's call last month and the deployment of Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to the region during the crisis with India, recognizing both as significant gestures of solidarity and support.
Condemning India’s unprovoked attacks that resulted in the deaths of innocent civilians including women and children, the Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan’s courageous armed forces gave a responsible and befitting response to the aggression. He reiterated that Pakistan remains a strong advocate for peace and, in that spirit, agreed to a ceasefire understanding with India—an agreement the country remains committed to upholding.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs, the Prime Minister also raised concerns over India’s alleged unilateral attempts to violate the Indus Waters Treaty. He termed these actions illegal and described them as a "red line" for Pakistan, given that the water resources in question are a lifeline for its 240 million people.
The Prime Minister further reiterated that the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains the root cause of instability in South Asia. He called for a just resolution of the issue in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, identifying it as the key to lasting peace in the region.
Iranian President Pezeshkian offered condolences over the loss of civilian lives during the recent hostilities and praised Pakistan’s efforts for peace, welcoming the ceasefire agreement as a positive step forward. He reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to regional peace and stability.
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The two leaders also reviewed bilateral relations and agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly in trade, regional connectivity, security, and people-to-people exchanges.
In a gesture reflecting growing ties, President Pezeshkian invited the Prime Minister to undertake an official visit to Tehran, an invitation that was warmly accepted.
Earlier, Lt General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), lauded Iran’s peace efforts during the recent Pakistan-India conflict and warned of "forces" seeking to create rifts between brotherly countries.
"Pakistan is deeply grateful to the international community, and we are especially appreciative of brotherly countries, including the Islamic Republic of Iran," Gen Chaudhry told IRNA in an interview published today—the first by any Pakistani armed forces spokesperson to an Iranian outlet.
“We must be aware that there are forces in the region, with the help of external actors, attempting to create misunderstandings and confusion among brotherly countries, aiming to sow discord between friends and allies,” the DG ISPR added.
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