In meeting with Iran’s Pezeshkian, PM emphasises need for restraint, de-escalation

NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for restraint, de-escalation and sustained diplomatic engagement to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region during a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi and senior officials from both sides.

The two leaders reaffirmed the close and longstanding ties between Pakistan and Iran and stressed the need to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across areas of mutual interest.

Prime Minister Shehbaz underscored the importance of building on and implementing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to continue playing a sincere and constructive role in support of regional peace and stability.

Following the meeting, Shehbaz told journalists that he had held detailed discussions with President Pezeshkian, who reaffirmed that the Islamabad MoU remained acceptable to Tehran and that Iran was ready to take the agreement forward.

The prime minister said Pakistan’s leadership remained committed to accelerating diplomatic efforts under the framework of the Islamabad understanding.

President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for regional peace and security.

He also highlighted the enduring strength of Pakistan-Iran relations, rooted in shared history, culture and faith, and expressed Tehran’s desire to further deepen cooperation with Pakistan.

The two sides agreed to maintain regular consultations and close coordination while working toward regional peace, security and prosperity.

Speaking after the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz said Pakistan was also working with friendly countries to help reduce tensions around the Bab el-Mandeb and other regional flashpoints.

He reiterated that Pakistan’s political and military leadership would continue diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace.

Pakistan has sought to maintain its role as a mediator between Washington and Tehran and has repeatedly called for dialogue and a negotiated settlement to the conflict.

The prime minister also spoke about terrorism, saying militants operating from Afghan soil were carrying out attacks against Pakistan.

He said Pakistan was responding firmly and decisively to terrorist activities while continuing its diplomatic efforts for regional stability.

The remarks come as Islamabad continues to balance its diplomatic engagement with Iran and its security concerns along the western border.

The meeting took place amid continuing efforts to revive the Islamabad MoU and reduce tensions between the United States and Iran.

Pakistan has continued to advocate implementation of the understanding as a framework for reducing hostilities and returning the parties to negotiations. Recent discussions have also focused on maritime security and tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.

The latest meeting between Shehbaz Sharif and Pezeshkian underscored Islamabad’s continued diplomatic engagement with Tehran and Pakistan’s stated commitment to supporting dialogue aimed at regional peace and stability.