PM Shehbaz pushes Pakistan's mediation role in Middle East talks with China, Malaysia

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday underscored Pakistan’s proactive diplomatic role in promoting de-escalation and regional stability during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zedong.

According to the prime minister's office, the discussion focused on the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East, with the premier highlighting Pakistan’s efforts—alongside Turkiye and Egypt—to ease tensions and facilitate dialogue. Officials have described these efforts as instrumental in securing a temporary pause in potential US strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure.

The meeting, held at the Prime Minister House, was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Special Assistant Syed Tariq Fatemi, and the foreign secretary, reflecting the high-level nature of the engagement.

During the talks, the prime minister appreciated China’s continued economic support and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0), with emphasis on agriculture, industrial cooperation, and priority infrastructure projects. He also congratulated Chinese leadership, including Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, and Wang Yi, on the successful conclusion of the “Two Sessions” in Beijing.

Ambassador Jiang commended Pakistan’s economic resilience and reform efforts, reaffirming Beijing’s continued support in trade and investment. Both sides expressed satisfaction over ongoing cooperation and agreed to maintain close coordination, particularly as the two countries approach the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Separately, the prime minister also held a telephone conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, during which he briefed him on Pakistan’s mediation efforts involving Iran, Gulf countries, and the United States.

The two leaders exchanged Eid ul Fitr greetings and discussed the urgency of ending the ongoing conflict. Anwar Ibrahim praised Pakistan’s diplomatic initiative and offered full support for efforts aimed at bringing the warring sides to the negotiating table.

Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to host direct talks between the US and Iran, stressing that Islamabad remained committed to facilitating “meaningful and conclusive” dialogue. Both leaders agreed to stay in close contact as diplomatic efforts continue.

The engagements reflect Pakistan’s increasing diplomatic activism as it seeks to position itself as a key mediator in the Middle East crisis while strengthening strategic partnerships with China and other regional allies.