PM greets Iran's new supreme leader

President also congratulates Mojtaba Khamenei; Hopes Ayatollah will guide country to stability; Dar discusses war

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistani leadership on Tuesday congratulated Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei in a move aimed at maintaining a delicate balance at a time when raging conflict between Tehran and the US-Israel alliance continues to reshape the regional security landscape.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif separately wrote to Mojtaba Khamenei, following his assumption of the position of the supreme leader after the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Islamabad's carefully calibrated move came at a time when Pakistan is attempting not only to maintain its neutrality in a rapidly escalating regional war, but also contacting the friends in the region and beyond, seeking de-escalation and stability in the Middle East.

"President Asif Ali Zardari conveyed his good wishes to Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei following his election and appointment as the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran," said a press release issued by the President Secretariat Media Wing on Tuesday.

"The President noted that the region is facing serious tensions and conflict. He expressed hope that the situation will stabilise and that conditions will improve for the people of the region," the press release added.

Separately, the letter, released by the Prime Minister's Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed "deepest condolences and prayers" over the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, while extending best wishes to Mojtaba Khamenei.

"The martyrdom of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has deeply saddened the people of Pakistan, who stand in solidarity with the leadership and people of Iran during this difficult time," the prime minister said.

Shehbaz expressed the hope that the new Iranian leader would guide his country "towards peace, stability, dignity and prosperity in the years ahead". Earlier, in a post on X, Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan's condolences, and congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on assuming an "onerous responsibility".

Without naming the US, Shehbaz's carefully worded message reflects Pakistan's attempt to maintain diplomatic balance as tensions in the Middle East intensify amid an ongoing military confrontation between Iran and the US-Israel alliance.

Islamabad has so far avoided taking sides publicly in the conflict, urging restraint and calling for dialogue. At the same time Islamabad, has been working behind the scenes to seek de-escalation between Iran and Gulf countries.

In this regard, the Foreign Office said in a post on X on Tuesday that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held telephonic conversations with foreign ministers Wang Yi of China, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, and Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani of Bahrain.

In these conversations, the Foreign Office stated that Dar exchanged views on the evolving regional situation and broader global developments. He shared Pakistan's perspective, and underscored the urgent need to ease tensions in the region.

The Foreign Office said that Foreign Minister Wang and DPM Dar stressed the importance of de-escalation and emphasised the need to pursue dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter.

"FM Wang Yi appreciated Pakistan's constructive efforts aimed at promoting de-escalation and stability in the region," it said, adding that the two sides reiterated their shared commitment to further deepening bilateral cooperation and agreed to remain in close contact.

Dar also discussed the evolving developments in the Middle East and the wider region with in a phone call to Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. "The two leaders exchanged views on ongoing deliberations at the UN Security Council," the Foreign Office said.

During the call, according to the Foreign Office, Dar underscored the importance of continued coordination and diplomatic engagement to support de-escalation and promote peace and stability across the region and beyond.

Last night, Dar spoke with Bahrain's Foreign Minister Al Zayani, and conveyed Pakistan's grave concern over recent attacks in the region, including in Bahrain. He Dar reiterated Pakistan's support for Bahrain, stressed the need for de-escalation, dialogue, and initiatives to promote regional peace and stability.

Pakistan and Iran share a nearly 900-kilometre border and maintain deep historical, cultural and religious connections. At the same time, Pakistan also maintains close strategic relations with the United States and strong political and economic ties with Gulf Arab states.

Observers say that the messages for Iran's supreme leader signal continuity in Pakistan's policy toward Iran even as regional tensions escalate. This complex geopolitical positioning means Islamabad must walk a fine diplomatic line during crises involving Tehran.

"The message of condolence and congratulations was necessary from a diplomatic standpoint," a senior Pakistani official familiar with the matter said. "Iran is a neighbour and an important regional country. But at the same time Pakistan has to maintain a balanced posture in the ongoing conflict."

Islamabad's diplomatic engagement with Tehran reflects concerns about preventing the regional crisis from spilling over into neighbouring states. Officials say Pakistan hopes the new Iranian leadership will pursue policies that reduce tensions and help stabilise the region.

"Pakistan desires peace and stability in the region," Prime Minister Shehbaz wrote in the letter to the Iranian supreme leader, expressing hope that Mojtaba Khamenei's leadership would guide Iran toward prosperity and stability.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)