PM Shehbaz calls Iranian president, urges de-escalation and return to diplomacy
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (L) and Prime Minister Shehbaz. Photos: File
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation on Monday with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, stressing the need to work collectively for de-escalation and highlighting a return to dialogue and diplomacy.
A post on X by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said PM Shehbaz conveyed serious concern over the ongoing hostilities in the Gulf region, in view of which, "the prime minister underscored the urgent need to work collectively for de-escalation and a return to dialogue and diplomacy amongst all the neighbouring countries to settle their differences."
PM Shehbaz stressed the critical importance of unity in the ranks of the global Muslim community, saying that it was required more than ever before.
"As a neighbouring brotherly country of Iran, the prime minister conveyed Pakistan’s solidarity with the brave Iranian people in the wake of the ongoing hostilities," the PMO said, adding that the premier expressed deep condolences over the loss of lives and prayed for the early recovery and safety of those injured and displaced.
While sharing with Pezeshkian the diplomatic outreach efforts of Pakistan’s leadership, the prime minister "assured the Iranian leadership that Pakistan would continue to play a constructive role in facilitating peace in the region".
He also extended Eidul Fitr and Nowruz greetings to the Iranian president and the people of Iran. "The feelings were warmly reciprocated by the Iranian president, who also conveyed his best wishes for the people of Pakistan," the post said.
Read: Pakistan joins Islamic countries urging Iran to halt attacks on Gulf states
Lahore: March 23, 2026.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, today.
The Prime Minister extended Eid ul Fitr and Nowruz greetings to the Iranian President, and the… pic.twitter.com/y2WFuYmMjrRead More: Iran thanks Pakistan for 'strong solidarity' amid US-Israel aggression
The premier previously spoke with Pezeshkian on March 11 to discuss the evolving regional situation, underscoring Islamabad's push for diplomacy. During that conversation, too, he expressed deep concern over the rising tensions and stressed that dialogue and diplomatic engagement remained essential for ensuring peace and stability in the region.
The conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran erupted on February 28, 2026, when US and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes on Iranian military sites, citing threats to regional security. The attacks quickly escalated into a broader confrontation, with Iran retaliating through drone and missile strikes targeting US assets and allied interests across the Gulf.
The situation worsened when Iran's former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in US and Israeli strikes. The killing spurred protests across Pakistan in major cities, including Karachi and Lahore.
Pakistan has maintained a cautious but supportive stance, calling for restraint and dialogue while avoiding direct involvement. Islamabad has expressed solidarity with Iran, highlighting historical, cultural, and economic ties. Officials have engaged in diplomatic efforts, with PM Shehbaz and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who also serves as foreign minister, holding regular calls with relevant regional leaders to urge de-escalation.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi even expressed gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan for their unwavering support amid aggression from the US and Israel.
On March 20, PM Shehbaz held telephonic conversations with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, extending Eidul Fitr greetings and discussing regional developments.
In his conversations with the leaders, PM Shehbaz called for de-escalation and an immediate end to hostilities and urged the resolution of all differences through dialogue and diplomacy. He stressed the same in a call with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto yesterday and a conversation with Bahrain's king the day before.