ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday held an extensive telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, discussing ongoing regional hostilities and intensifying diplomatic efforts aimed at paving the way for peace talks as the US-Israel conflict with Iran entered its second month.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the hour-long conversation focused on the evolving situation in the Middle East and initiatives to de-escalate tensions.
The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s strong condemnation of continued Israeli attacks on Iran, including recent strikes on civilian infrastructure, and reaffirmed Islamabad’s solidarity with the Iranian people during what he described as a challenging period. He also expressed condolences over the reported loss of more than 1,900 lives and prayed for the recovery of the injured and displaced.
During the call, the premier briefed President Pezeshkian on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach. These efforts involve engagement with the United States, Gulf nations, and other Islamic countries, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as well as Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also highlighted the broad international support for Pakistan’s peace initiative, expressing optimism that collective efforts could lead to a viable pathway toward ending the conflict.
President Pezeshkian, while appreciating Pakistan’s diplomatic role, shared Iran’s perspective on the ongoing hostilities, emphasizing the need to build trust to facilitate meaningful negotiations and mediation.
The conversation comes amid intensified efforts to create diplomatic openings to end the conflict, which began on February 28 and has since impacted the broader Middle East region.
Pakistan, in coordination with Turkey and Egypt, has been actively involved in back-channel diplomacy, relaying messages between Washington and Tehran in an attempt to prevent further escalation.
Earlier, Ishaq Dar confirmed that indirect communication between the United States and Iran is ongoing, facilitated by Pakistan with support from regional partners. These efforts reportedly included direct engagement between Field Marshal Asim Munir and US President Donald Trump.
According to diplomatic sources, Pakistan also conveyed a US proposal to Iran, though details of the framework remain undisclosed. In a recent development, Iranian officials rejected the proposal, stating that any resolution to the conflict would be determined on Iran’s own terms.
Tehran has outlined key conditions for ending hostilities, including a complete cessation of attacks, safeguards against renewed aggression, reparations, broader regional conflict resolution, and international recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Quadrilateral Meeting in Islamabad
In a parallel diplomatic move, Pakistan is set to host a high-level quadrilateral meeting focused on the Middle East situation. Foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt are expected to attend the talks in Islamabad from March 29–30, 2026.
The visiting dignitaries—including Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty—will engage in in-depth discussions aimed at reducing regional tensions.
Officials stated that the meeting would also provide an opportunity to strengthen cooperation among participating countries and enhance coordinated efforts toward promoting peace and stability across the region.
