Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi thanks Pakistan for solidarity
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Calls for de-escalation in Middle East as PM Shehbaz speaks to several world leaders
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday discussed the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East in phone calls with leaders from several countries, with all calling for de-escalation in the region. The ongoing war, launched by the US and Israel against Iran, has expanded across the Middle East with Tehran targeting US bases and assets in other countries in the region, including Azerbaijan, and Tel Aviv targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said on the social media platform X that the premier held a telephone conversation with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev “to exchange greetings on the auspicious occasion of Eidul Fitr”. “The two leaders also discussed the ongoing hostilities in Iran and the Gulf region,” the statement said. “The prime minister reiterated [his] strong condemnation of the attacks against Azerbaijan and expressed full solidarity and support with the brotherly people of Azerbaijan in these challenging times.” It added that both leaders called for an immediate de-escalation, urging “dialogue and diplomacy” to resolve outstanding issues. Additionally, PM Shehbaz conveyed “heartfelt” Eidul Fitr wishes to Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan. The sentiments were “warmly reciprocated” by Aliyev for the people of Pakistan, according to the statement. During the call, they also expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations and reaffirmed their mutual resolve and commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties, the PMO added. In a separate post on X, PM Shehbaz reiterated the same. “I reiterated my strong condemnation of the attacks against Azerbaijan and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with our Azerbaijani brothers and sisters,” he said. “We agreed on the urgent need for de-escalation and resolution of tensions through dialogue and diplomacy, while reaffirming our shared commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Azerbaijan brotherly ties,” he added. Two weeks ago, PM Shehbaz had also taken to X to express “serious concern” over the attacks on Azerbaijan. Phone call with Malaysian PM Meanwhile, the premier also held a phone call 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 to work together for advancing peace efforts in this regard,” a statement by the PMO said. “Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the positive momentum in bilateral ties and reaffirmed their shared resolve to further strengthen Pakistan-Malaysia fraternal relations,” it added. PM Shehbaz also felicitated the Malaysian premier, government and people on the occasion of Eidul Fitr. In a post on X, the premier reiterated that the two discussed the “evolving situation in Iran and the Gulf region, and agreed on the urgent need for de-escalation and continued joint efforts to promote peace through dialogue and diplomacy”. “We also expressed satisfaction at the positive momentum in Pakistan-Malaysia relations and reaffirmed our shared commitment to further strengthening our fraternal ties,” he said. The premier had previously briefed Ibrahim on “recent developments regarding Afghanistan” in a call on March 5. The pair had also expressed “deep concern” at the situation in the Middle East. Call with Uzbek president In their phone call, PM Shehbaz and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev “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 resolution of all disputes”, said the PMO. The premier exchanged Eid greetings with Mirziyoyev in their “most cordial conversation”, the statement said. “The prime minister conveyed his heartfelt wishes to the president, and the brotherly people of Uzbekistan on this blessed occasion of Eid, which the Uzbek leader warmly reciprocated,” it read. The two leaders “expressed satisfaction on the highly successful outcomes of the Uzbek president’s visit to Pakistan last month”, the PMO stated. PM Shehbaz noted that “regular follow-up on the key decisions taken by both leaders would ensure further strengthening of the bilateral ties”. In a post on X about the phone call, the premier said, “I expressed satisfaction at the highly successful outcomes of his recent visit to Pakistan and underscored the importance of continued follow-up to further strengthen our bilateral partnership.” “We also discussed the situation in Iran and the Gulf region, and agreed on the urgent need for de-escalation and resolution of all disputes through dialogue and diplomacy,” he said. Phone call with Egyptian president About the PM’s phone call with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the PMO said in a statement on X that the premier conveyed Eidul Fitr greetings to el-Sisi and the “brotherly people of Egypt”. “President el-Sisi reciprocated the sentiments for the prime minister and the people of Pakistan,” the statement added. It further stated that PM Shehbaz reaffirmed the strong and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Egypt and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation with Egypt across all areas of mutual interest. He also appreciated Egypt’s constructive diplomatic role in regional and international issues, particularly its significant contribution to peace efforts in the Middle East, the statement said. “Both leaders exchanged views on the evolving situation in Iran and the Gulf region, and, while expressing their serious concerns over the ongoing hostilities, they agreed to continue diplomatic efforts for de-escalation and for the restoration of peace and normalcy,” it read. Phone call with Bangladesh PM On his own account, PM Shehbaz posted that he had held a phone call with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rehman “to convey warm Eidul Fitr greetings to him and the people of Bangladesh”. “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,” he said. The PM added: “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.” Phone call with Lebanese PM According to the PMO, the premier also spoke to his Lebanese counterpart, Nawaf Salam. “In their warm and cordial conversation, the prime minister conveyed Eidul Fitr greetings to Prime Minister Salam and the brotherly people of Lebanon. Prime Minister Salam reciprocated these sentiments,” the statement said. It added that PM Shehbaz reaffirmed “Pakistan’s strongest condemnation of the ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon, that had resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives, and caused injuries and displacement of civilians”. The prime minister expressed firm solidarity with the government and people of Lebanon in these difficult circumstances. He also reiterated “Pakistan’s steadfast support for Lebanon’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity”, it added. “He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and underscored the need for dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability in the region. “While acknowledging the longstanding fraternal ties between Pakistan and Lebanon, both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination in the days ahead,” the statement read. A day earlier, the premier had also held phone calls with Turkiye President President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Jordan’s King Abdullah II, with the situation in the Middle East coming under discussion.
DawnMarch 20, 2026 at 04:59 PM UTCCalls for de-escalation in Middle East as PM speaks to Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Uzbekistan leaders
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday discussed the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East in phone calls with leaders from Malaysia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, with all calling for de-escalation in the region. The ongoing war, launched by the US and Israel against Iran, has expanded across the Middle East with Tehran targeting US bases and assets in other countries in the region, including Azerbaijan, and Tel Aviv targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said on the social media platform X that the premier held a telephone conversation with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev “to exchange greetings on the auspicious occasion of Eidul Fitr”. “The two leaders also discussed the ongoing hostilities in Iran and the Gulf region,” the statement said. “The prime minister reiterated [his] strong condemnation of the attacks against Azerbaijan and expressed full solidarity and support with the brotherly people of Azerbaijan in these challenging times.” It added that both leaders called for an immediate de-escalation, urging “dialogue and diplomacy” to resolve outstanding issues. Additionally, PM Shehbaz conveyed “heartfelt” Eidul Fitr wishes to Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan. The sentiments were “warmly reciprocated” by Aliyev for the people of Pakistan, according to the statement. During the call, they also expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations and reaffirmed their mutual resolve and commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties, the PMO added. In a separate post on X, PM Shehbaz reiterated the same. “I reiterated my strong condemnation of the attacks against Azerbaijan and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with our Azerbaijani brothers and sisters,” he said. “We agreed on the urgent need for de-escalation and resolution of tensions through dialogue and diplomacy, while reaffirming our shared commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Azerbaijan brotherly ties,” he added. Two weeks ago, PM Shehbaz had also taken to X to express “serious concern” over the attacks on Azerbaijan. Phone call with Malaysian PM Meanwhile, the premier also held a phone call 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 to work together for advancing peace efforts in this regard,” a statement by the PMO said. “Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the positive momentum in bilateral ties and reaffirmed their shared resolve to further strengthen Pakistan-Malaysia fraternal relations,” it added. PM Shehbaz also felicitated the Malaysian premier, government and people on the occasion of Eidul Fitr. In a post on X, the premier reiterated that the two discussed the “evolving situation in Iran and the Gulf region, and agreed on the urgent need for de-escalation and continued joint efforts to promote peace through dialogue and diplomacy”. “We also expressed satisfaction at the positive momentum in Pakistan-Malaysia relations and reaffirmed our shared commitment to further strengthening our fraternal ties,” he said. The premier had previously briefed Ibrahim on “recent developments regarding Afghanistan” in a call on March 5. The pair had also expressed “deep concern” at the situation in the Middle East. Call with Uzbek president In their phone call, PM Shehbaz and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev “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 resolution of all disputes”, said the PMO. The premier exchanged Eid greetings with Mirziyoyev in their “most cordial conversation”, the statement said. “The prime minister conveyed his heartfelt wishes to the president, and the brotherly people of Uzbekistan on this blessed occasion of Eid, which the Uzbek leader warmly reciprocated,” it read. The two leaders “expressed satisfaction on the highly successful outcomes of the Uzbek president’s visit to Pakistan last month”, the PMO stated. PM Shehbaz noted that “regular follow-up on the key decisions taken by both leaders would ensure further strengthening of the bilateral ties”. A day earlier, the premier had also held phone calls with Turkiye President President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Jordan’s King Abdullah II, with the situation in the Middle East coming under discussion.
DawnMarch 20, 2026 at 12:01 PM UTCViolence over events abroad won’t be tolerated: CDF Munir
ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir warned religious leaders that violence in the country, triggered by events abroad, would not be tolerated, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday. “Violence in Pakistan, on the basis of incidents occurring in another country, will not be tolerated,” the military’s media wing quoted Field Marshal Munir as saying during a meeting with Shia clerics. According to ISPR, the army chief interacted with the Shia clergy earlier this week in Rawalpindi, where “matters of national security and the role of ulema in societal harmony came under discussion”. The outreach came as the military seeks to manage the domestic environment amid the US-Israeli war against Iran. Army chief interacts with Shia clerics, calls for unity and countering sectarian narratives Protests that erupted in early March, following the start of the war and the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, led to several casualties and a security crackdown, particularly in Karachi and Gilgit-Baltistan. The ISPR statement said FM Munir emphasised that religious sentiments must not be exploited to incite violence in the country. A participant, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the army chief addressed the clerics for about an hour. The source said FM Munir adopted a stern tone, describing Iran as being under pressure from major powers and asserting that Pakistan’s territory was not being used against it. At the same time, he drew a clear line on internal stability. According to the participant, the army chief told clerics that developments elsewhere must not be used to disturb Pakistan’s internal environment, and warned that those involved in recent unrest would face strict punishment. He referred to protests on March 1, including incidents in GB where security personnel lost their lives, and said those responsible would be dealt with firmly, including through military courts, the source added. The ISPR statement said the army chief also highlighted Pakistan’s “efforts and proactive diplomacy in seeking regional de-escalation”, and stressed unity, tolerance and national cohesion, particularly in countering misinfor-mation and sectarian narratives. Published in Dawn, March 20th, 2026
DawnMarch 20, 2026 at 03:21 AM UTCMinisterial meeting calls on Iran to ‘immediately and unconditionally’ halt attacks in Gulf
A ministerial meeting, hosted by Saudi Arabia, called on Iran to “immediately and unconditionally” halt attacks against Gulf countries in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday. The conflict began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. In retaliatory strikes, Iran has targeted US assets and bases in Gulf countries. A day earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar travelled to the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh for the ministerial meeting. In a statement on X, the ministry said that the consultative meeting was attended by Azerbaijan, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Pakistan, Turkiye, Syria, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon and Egypt, where they condemned Iranian “missile and drone attacks” and held Iran “fully responsible”. They called on the country to “immediately and unconditionally cease its aggression and to comply with UN Security Council resolutions”. The ministers maintained that Iran’s actions amount to “violation of sovereignty and international law”. During the meeting, the “dangers” of supporting militias were also highlighted, and the ministers collectively urged Iran to “seriously reconsider its miscalculations”. The ministers also warned Iran could face “serious consequences” if it continued to “violate the principles of good neighbourliness and the sovereignty of states”, added the statement. It will also have consequences for the security of the region, they warned, adding that Iran “will exact a heavy price”. According to the statement, the participants further maintained that the actions can cast “a shadow over its relations with the countries and peoples of the region, who will not stand idly by in the face of threats to their capabilities”. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the ministers also urged Iran to refrain from “threats aimed at closing or obstructing international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz or threatening maritime security in Bab al-Mandab”. As per SPA, the ministers also reiterated their support for “security, stability, and territorial integrity of Lebanon”. They also condemned Israeli aggression against Lebanon. Lebanon was dragged into the US-Israeli war on Iran this month when Lebanese group Hezbollah launched rockets and drones into Israel, which responded with heavy bombardment across the country. The foreign ministers renewed their commitment to hold “intensive consultation and coordination” on the matter, and “ensure the formulation of common positions and the adoption of necessary legitimate measures and procedures to protect their security, stability, and sovereignty, and to halt the Iranian attacks on their territories,” SPA reported. Saudi Arabia reserves ‘right to take military actions’: FM Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has not ruled out military action in response to repeated missile and drone attacks from Iran, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said following the meeting. Speaking to reporters, Prince Faisal said that Iran “tries to pressure its neighbours” with attacks. “The kingdom is not going to succumb to pressure, and on the contrary, this pressure will backfire… and certainly, as we have stated quite clearly, we have reserved the right to take military actions if deemed necessary,” he said. Saudi Arabia reported more Iranian attacks on Thursday. Several strong blasts were heard in the Saudi capital a day earlier, according to AFP journalists, while the defence ministry said it had intercepted ballistic missiles. “The targeting of Riyadh while a number of diplomats are meeting… I think that’s the clearest signal of how Iran feels about diplomacy,” Prince Faisal said. “It doesn’t believe in talking to its neighbours.” The Saudi foreign minister condemned the repeated “targeting of civilian sites” across the Gulf, dismissing Iran’s justification that it was targeting US interests in the region as “weak”. “Neither Saudi Arabia nor the Gulf states would accept… blackmail, and escalation will be met with escalation,” he said. Pak, KSA, and regional countries discuss joint coordination efforts Separately, Saudi Arabia held a “coordination” meeting with the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Turkiye and Egypt, its foreign ministry said. In a statement, the ministry said that the Saudi foreign minister, along with his regional counterparts, discussed the “Iranian escalation” and the “importance of continuing consultation and coordinating joint efforts to achieve security and stability in the region”. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was present in the meeting as well. Dar, Turkiye FM discuss ‘regional developments’ Separately, the Foreign Office (FO) said that Dar met Turkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan at the sidelines of the ministerial meeting, where the two discussed regional developments. In a post on X, FO said, “Both sides discussed evolving regional developments and reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination and strengthening the Pak-Türkiye bilateral partnership”. A separate statement was also issued about Dar’s visit, which stated that he “expressed complete support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence of all brotherly regional countries”. He also emphasised the need to “end all attacks” against their respective territories, underscoring the importance of “preserving the unity of the Muslim Ummah”, the statement added. Dar reiterated Pakistan’s call for dialogue and diplomacy and stressed the need to address the root causes of the ongoing crisis. In this regard, the statement said, he “condemned in the strongest possible terms Israel’s continued aggression and provocations against regional countries”. “He also condemned the unwarranted attacks on civilians, as well as on energy and critical infrastructure in the region, calling for an end to all such attacks,” the FO added. The foreign minister urged that countries refrain from actions that could undermine the region’s energy security. He apprised the meeting participants of Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis, reaffirming the country’s desire to “continue playing a constructive role in helping overcome regional security challenges”.
DawnMarch 19, 2026 at 10:59 AM UTCDar arrives in Riyadh for meeting of regional FMs
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday for a meeting with the foreign ministers of regional countries, where he will advocate for a “swift end” to the conflict in the Middle East, according to the Foreign Office (FO). The conflict began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. In retaliatory strikes, Iran has targeted US assets and bases in Gulf countries. Amid the hostilities, the FO has termed Pakistan’s role a “bridge builder”. In a statement, FO said Dar had arrived in Riyadh, where he is set to “participate in the Consultative Ministerial Meeting of Foreign Ministers from Arab and Islamic countries, hosted by Saudi Arabia”. Upon arrival, Dar was received by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Farooq and representatives of the Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry, FO said. In a separate statement earlier in the day, the FO said that Dar was travelling to Riyadh at the invitation of Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. It said Dar would attend the meeting with foreign ministers of regional countries from March 18 to 19, during which he will “express complete support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence of all brotherly countries in the region, and call for an end to all attacks on their territory”. According to the FO, Dar will reiterate “Pakistan’s call for a swift end to the ongoing conflict” and call for a return to “dialogue and diplomacy”. The foreign minister is also expected to highlight Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach efforts and its “desire to continue playing a pivotal role towards resolving the prevailing grave security crisis being faced by the region”. According to a Reuters report, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is also attending a meeting in Riyadh today to discuss regional developments. This will mark the third visit from the Pakistani side to Saudi Arabia amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. On March 7, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir met with Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud to discuss Iran’s attacks on Saudi Arabia. On March 12, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a “restricted meeting” with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, PM’s spokesperson for foreign media Mosharraf Zaidi said. The statement said the premier expressed Pakistan’s “full solidarity and support” for Saudi Arabia “in these challenging times”, and agreed to work together for regional peace and stability. Saudi Arabia has been one of the regional countries that have come under attack in Iran’s retaliatory campaign. PM Shehbaz and Dar have been holding phone calls with dignitaries from relevant countries since the war began, repeatedly calling for de-escalation. On Monday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi thanked the government and people of Pakistan for extending their “strong solidarity and support” with Iran and its people, who he said were facing aggression from the United States and Israel.
DawnMarch 18, 2026 at 02:21 PM UTCDar to depart on Riyadh visit for meeting of regional FMs, will call for ‘swift end’ to Middle East conflict
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will depart for Riyadh on Wednesday for a meeting with the foreign ministers of regional countries, where he will advocate for a “swift end” to the conflict in the Middle East, the Foreign Office (FO) said. The conflict began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. In retaliatory strikes, Iran has targeted US assets and bases in Gulf countries. Amid the hostilities, the FO has termed Pakistan’s role a “bridge builder”. Dar will be attending at the invitation of Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud from March 18 to 19, during which he will “express complete support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence of all brotherly countries in the region, and call for an end to all attacks on their territory”. According to FO, Dar will reiterate “Pakistan’s call for a swift end to the ongoing conflict” and call for a return to “dialogue and diplomacy”. The foreign minister is also expected to highlight Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach efforts and its “desire to continue playing a pivotal role towards resolving the prevailing grave security crisis being faced by the region”. According to a Reuters report, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is also attending a meeting in Riyadh today to discuss regional developments. This will mark the third visit from the Pakistani side to Saudi Arabia amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. On March 7, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir met with Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud to discuss Iran’s attacks on Saudi Arabia. On March 12, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a “restricted meeting” with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, PM’s spokesperson for foreign media Mosharraf Zaidi said. The statement said the premier expressed Pakistan’s “full solidarity and support” for Saudi Arabia “in these challenging times”, and agreed to work together for regional peace and stability. Saudi Arabia has been one of the regional countries that have come under attack in Iran’s retaliatory campaign. PM Shehbaz and Dar have been holding phone calls with dignitaries from relevant countries since the war began, repeatedly calling for de-escalation. On Monday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi thanked the government and people of Pakistan for extending their “strong solidarity and support” with Iran and its people, who he said were facing aggression from the United States and Israel.
DawnMarch 18, 2026 at 10:06 AM UTCDar stresses dialogue, diplomacy for achieving regional peace in meeting with Iranian ambassador
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday stressed that dialogue and diplomacy remained the only viable path to resolving issues and achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. Dar made the remarks during a meeting with Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghaddam, according to the Foreign Office (FO). In a post on X, the FO said, the ambassador expressed gratitude for the “strong moral support extended by the people of Pakistan during this challenging time”. “The DPM/FM conveyed his condolences over the loss of precious lives in the conflict and expressed hope for an early resolution. He underscored that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to resolving issues and achieving lasting peace and stability in the region,” it said. The development comes amid an ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. In retaliatory strikes, Iran has targeted US assets and bases in Gulf countries. Amid the hostilities, the FO has termed Pakistan’s role a “bridge builder”. On Monday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi thanked the government and people of Pakistan for extending their “strong solidarity and support” with Iran and its people who he said were facing aggression from the United States and Israel. In a post in Urdu on X, Araghchi said: “On this blessed, divine, and spiritual day and hour, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan for their strong expression of solidarity and support with the people and government of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the face of the aggression by America and the Zionist regime.” It is worth mentioning that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Dar have been holding phone calls with dignitaries from relevant countries since the war began, repeatedly calling for de-escalation. Earlier this month, PM Shehbaz also spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to quietly explore prospects for a ceasefire aimed at ending the conflict. He also travelled to Saudi Arabia on a brief visit and held a “restricted meeting” with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. He expressed Pakistan’s full solidarity and support for the Gulf country in these challenging times, and agreed to work together for regional peace and stability.
DawnMarch 17, 2026 at 04:22 PM UTCTehran thanks Islamabad for extending ‘strong solidarity’ with Iranian govt, people facing US-Israeli aggression
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday thanked the government and people of Pakistan for extending their “strong solidarity and support” with Iran and its people who he said were facing aggression from the United States and Israel. In a post in Urdu on X, Araghchi said: “On this blessed, divine, and spiritual day and hour, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan for their strong expression of solidarity and support with the people and government of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the face of the aggression by America and the Zionist regime.” Araghchi added that Iran stood with “steadfastness and perseverance in defence of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, with complete reliance on Allah Almighty”. His post comes amid an ongoing Middle East conflict, which began with US-Isreali strikes on Iran on February 28. The strikes also resulted in the assassination of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In retaliatory strikes, Iran has targeted US assets and bases in Gulf countries. The Foreign Office (FO) has termed Pakistan’s role as a “bridge builder” during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Most notably, as revealed by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Islamabad invoked its “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” signed with Riyadh last year to help deter heavier Iranian strikes on Saudi Arabia. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Dar, who also serves as the foreign minister, have been holding phone calls with dignitaries from relevant countries since the war began, repeatedly calling for de-escalation. PM Shehbaz even made a brief visit to Saudi Arabia on March 12, where he held a “restricted meeting” with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and discussed regional developments. At the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Pakistan has maintained a delicate balance, condemning unwarranted attacks on Iran, expressing solidarity with Gulf states, and urging an immediate return to negotiations and diplomacy. Last week, Pakistan supported a Bahrain-led resolution condemning Iran’s retaliatory attacks, which was adopted by the UNSC. It also voted in favour of a draft resolution presented by Russia on the military escalation, but the US vetoed it.
DawnMarch 16, 2026 at 11:52 AM UTC