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• Stresses need for urgent diplomatic intervention
• Urges immediate end to hostilities in region
ISLAMABAD: Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif continued diplomatic outreach during Eid (March 20-22), urging world leaders to play an effective role in de-escalating the crisis.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the premier expressed concern over the US-Israel war on Iran and the subsequent Iranian attacks in Gulf states, which have triggered a severe global oil crisis.
On Sunday, the prime minister spoke with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and both leaders exchanged Eid greetings and prayed for peace and harmony for their peoples and the Muslim Ummah.
They discussed the latest regional developments, particularly the ongoing hostilities in Iran and the Gulf region. Both leaders called for an immediate end to hostilities and stressed resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.
PM Shehbaz also held a phone conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
“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 working together to advance peace efforts,” the PMO said.
In a separate call, the prime minister spoke with Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to exchange Eid greetings. The two leaders also discussed the situation in Iran and the Gulf region and emphasised the need for immediate de-escalation through dialogue.
PM Shehbaz also contacted Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and conveyed Eid greetings and appreciated Egypt’s constructive diplomatic role, particularly its efforts to promote peace in the Middle East.
Both leaders expressed serious concern over the evolving situation and agreed to continue diplomatic efforts for de-escalation and restoration of peace and stability.
In a telephonic conversation with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, the premier conveyed Eid greetings and reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong condemnation of Israeli aggression against Lebanon, which has resulted in civilian casualties and displacement.
He expressed solidarity with the government and people of Lebanon and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the country’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, while calling for an immediate ceasefire.
On social media platform X, the prime minister said he also spoke with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, with both leaders discussing the ongoing hostilities and calling for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve tensions.
Separately, PM Shehbaz spoke with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rehman, conveying Eid greetings and reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
“We fondly recalled the historic, fraternal and familial bonds between our two countries. I reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening our bilateral cooperation across all spheres,” PM Shehbaz said on X.
“We also exchanged views on regional developments and the situation in the Middle East, and agreed on the importance of dialogue and diplomacy for peace and stability,” he added.
The prime minister also held a telephone conversation with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and condemned attacks in the region and expressed condolences over the loss of lives.
He appreciated Bahrain’s restraint and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support, while apprising the king of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring peace.
He assured the king of Bahrain that Pakistan would continue to support diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the ongoing hostilities. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact on bilateral and regional matters.A day earlier, the premier had also held phone calls with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Jordan’s King Abdullah II and discussed the situation in the Middle East.
Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2026
