ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday, during a call by the Interior Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Eskandar Momeni, emphasised that Pakistan would continue to play its role as an honest and sincere mediator and facilitator. He reiterated the country’s strong commitment to fostering regional peace and stability. This diplomatic engagement follows the recent high-level visit by the Iranian Interior Minister Momeni who met with the Pakistan Army Chief in Rawalpindi to discuss security cooperation.

The Interior Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who is currently on an official visit to Pakistan, called on the prime minister at the Prime Minister House, according to a formal news release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office. During the discussions, the prime minister expressed deep concern over the recent escalation in tensions within the Gulf region. He urged all involved parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from actions that could lead to further regional instability.

Deepening Bilateral Ties

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended a warm welcome to the Iranian Interior Minister and his accompanying delegation. Reflecting on his recent visit to Tehran to attend the funeral ceremony of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, the Prime Minister conveyed his respectful regards and good wishes to the new leadership, including Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei and President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian.

Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for the cordial welcome received in Islamabad. He conveyed greetings from the Iranian leadership and noted that he is heading a delegation of senior government officials specifically mandated to enhance bilateral relations between the two nations.

Appreciation for Diplomatic Efforts

The Iranian Minister expressed profound appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, whose untiring mediation contributed to the success of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. He further acknowledged the significance of the Prime Minister’s recent travel to Tehran to pay respects following the passing of the late Supreme Leader.

The meeting was attended by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar, Advisor to the Prime Minister Dr. Syed Tauqir Shah, and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, alongside other senior government officials.