PM Shehbaz, Erdogan stress need of 'maximum restraint' by all parties in Mideast crisis

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday urged maximum restraint on part of all stakeholders to prevent further escalation in the raging crisis in the Middle East.

Last week, the United States and Israel jointly launched strikes on Iran that pushed the Middle East into renewed military confrontation as its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was assassinated in the strikes. In response, Iran targeted Israel and US bases in the Middle East.

Pakistan's leadership has ramped up diplomatic efforts since then and contacted regional leaders to tone down tensions.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's office today, PM Shehbaz held a call with the Turkish president over the situation.

While expressing his deep concern over the escalating crisis in the Middle East, the prime minister condemned the Israeli attack on Iran and the subsequent attacks on other Gulf countries.

"The prime minister apprised President Erdogan of his recent outreach to the leadership of the brotherly Gulf countries, reaffirming Pakistan’s full solidarity with them and conveying its readiness to play a constructive role in efforts aimed at resolving the crisis," the statement said.

It further added that both leaders underscored the importance of maximum restraint by all parties to prevent further escalation.

The statement also mentioned that PM Shehbaz took President Erdoğan into confidence regarding the recent developments in the context of Afghanistan, where Pakistan is currently waging an operation against the Afghan Taliban and terrorist groups.

"The two leaders agreed to remain in close and frequent contact on this matter while continuing their efforts to bring peace and stability to the region," it added.

Meanwhile, the Turkish presidency said Erdogan condemned terror attacks carried out in Pakistan and said Turkiye would continue to provide support in the fight against terror, along with contributing to the re-establishment of the ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

"Stressing that engaging once again in diplomacy in the region regarding the conflicts that began with the attacks against Iran will be extremely beneficial, President Erdoğan noted that Türkiye stands ready to provide all the support it can to that end."