In call with PM Shehbaz, Iran’s Pezeshkian stresses need for trust to facilitate talks

ISLAMABAD: Iran’s President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, in a phone call with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday, stressed the need to build trust to facilitate dialogue and mediation, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The conversation took place amid escalating regional tensions, with Iran continuing retaliatory attacks on US interests and key infrastructure in Gulf states following airstrikes against Tehran since February 28. The foreign ministers of Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan will meet in Islamabad on March 29–30 to discuss de-escalation in the Middle East.

In a statement on X, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said that during the call, he reiterated Pakistan’s strong condemnation of the continued Israeli attacks on Iran, including the latest attacks on civilian infrastructure yesterday.

He apprised Pezeshkian of the diplomatic outreach efforts currently being undertaken by him, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar as well as Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. He said Pakistan is engaging the United States as well as the brotherly Gulf and Islamic countries to help create a conducive environment for peace talks.

He briefed the Iranian president on the strong endorsement of Pakistan’s peace initiative, expressing hope that a viable path towards ending hostilities could be found collectively.

The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity and support for the brave people of Iran, in these challenging times.

During their detailed conversation, which lasted over one hour, the two leaders held extensive discussions regarding the ongoing hostilities in the region and peace efforts.

The prime minister also offered condolences on the loss of over 1900 precious lives and prayed for recovery of the injured and displaced.

While appreciating the prime minister’s sincere diplomatic efforts, the Iranian president shared his perspective on the ongoing hostilities perpetrated by Israel against Iran.

He stressed upon the need to ‘build trust in order to facilitate talks and mediation’.

The prime minister thanked the Iranian president and assured him that Pakistan would continue to play a constructive role for bringing peace and stability in the region.