PM Shehbaz calls for Gulf de-escalation in discussions with Malaysian, Azerbaijan, Uzbek leaders
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday urged de-escalation in the Gulf and the Middle East as he discussed the current conflict with the leaders of Malaysia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
The United States and Israel made coordinated strikes on Iran last month, prompting counter-strikes across the Gulf region, including Iranian missile and drone attacks, on energy infrastructure and military sites in Gulf Cooperation Council states. Regional foreign ministers, including Pakistan’s, have called for restraint and adherence to international law to prevent further destabilisation of the Gulf, a key corridor for global oil and LNG supplies.
The situation poses economic and security challenges for Pakistan. The government has called for dialogue while monitoring potential disruptions to energy imports through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts say a prolonged crisis could affect Pakistan’s import-dependent economy and raise domestic security concerns. At the same time, Islamabad continues to maintain diplomatic and trade ties with both Gulf states and Iran.
Statements from the PM Office issued today said the premier held telephonic conversations with Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, extending Eidul Fitr greetings and discussing regional developments.
On his conversation with PM Ibrahim, the PMO said: "While praying for peace and harmony of the ummah, the two leaders called for de-escalation of the ongoing hostilities in Iran and the Gulf region and agreed to continue to work together for advancing peace efforts in this regard."
It said the two leaders also expressed satisfaction at the positive momentum in bilateral ties and reaffirmed their shared resolve to further strengthen relations.
Lahore: March 20, 2026
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, H.E. Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, this afternoon.
During their warm conversation, the Prime Minister felicitated the Malaysian Prime Minister, the… pic.twitter.com/uyiap0OKcVPM Shehbaz said separately that he discussed the evolving situation in Iran and the Gulf region with his Malaysian counterpart, and agreed on the urgent need for de-escalation and continued joint efforts to promote peace through dialogue and diplomacy.
Spoke with my brother Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim this afternoon to convey warm Eid-ul-Fitr greetings to him, the Government, and the people of Malaysia.
We discussed the evolving situation in Iran and the Gulf region, and agreed on the urgent need for de-escalation…Read; Spokesperson for Iran's Revolutionary Guards killed in strike, state TV says
In the call with Azerbaijan's president, the PMO said the premier reiterated Pakistan’s condemnation of attacks against Azerbaijan and expressed full solidarity with its people as they discussed the situation in the Gulf and Iran.
"Both leaders called for an immediate de-escalation and urged dialogue and diplomacy for resolution of all outstanding issues.
"While expressing satisfaction on the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations, the two leaders reaffirmed their mutual resolve and commitment to further strengthen these fraternal ties between the two brotherly countries," the PMO said.
Islamabad: 20 February 2026.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation today with H.E. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to exchange greetings on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
During their warm and cordial conversation,… pic.twitter.com/fiV5lqxi0r"We agreed on the urgent need for de-escalation and resolution of tensions through dialogue and diplomacy," PM Shehbaz said of his conversation with President Aliyev.
Spoke with my dear brother President Ilham Aliyev to exchange warm Eid-ul-Fitr greetings and best wishes for the people of Azerbaijan. Grateful for his equally warm Eid greetings and good wishes for the people of Pakistan.
I reiterated my strong condemnation of the attacks…With the Uzbek president, the PMO said the two leaders exchanged views on the ongoing hostilities in Iran and the Gulf region and stressed upon the need for an immediate de-escalation and use of dialogue and diplomacy for the resolution of all disputes.
Furthermore, "the two leaders expressed satisfaction on the highly successful outcomes of the Uzbek president's visit to Pakistan last month. The prime minister stated that regular follow-up on the key decisions taken by both leaders would ensure further strengthening of the bilateral ties."
Lahore: 20 March 2026.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif spoke with the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, on telephone today, to exchange greetings on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
During their most cordial conversation, the Prime… pic.twitter.com/zaO4V7M5ujPM Shehbaz reiterated the same in a separate post on X.
Spoke with my brother President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to exchange warm Eid-ul-Fitr greetings and best wishes for the people of Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
I expressed satisfaction at the highly successful outcomes of his recent visit to Pakistan and underscored the importance of…