Global leaders back Pakistan's peace push as Lebanon crisis deepens

-- Qatari Emir, global Leaders praise Pakistan's mediation role

-- Dar engages world capitals to sustain and expand ceasefire

-- Lebanon appeals for help as Israeli strikes kill over 200

-- Truce under strain amid violations and rising regional tensions

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday received widespread international backing for Pakistan’s diplomatic role in brokering a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, as regional tensions persisted with escalating Israeli strikes on Lebanon.

In a key development, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani congratulated the premier during a telephone call, praising Pakistan’s successful mediation that led to the ceasefire and upcoming talks in Islamabad. Prime Minister Shehbaz, in response, lauded Qatar’s leadership for its “wisdom and restraint” amid weeks of regional instability and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with Doha.

The prime minister also held a series of high-level calls with global leaders, reflecting broad diplomatic endorsement of Islamabad’s role. Emmanuel Macron, Christian Stocker, Friedrich Merz, and Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa all acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to de-escalate tensions and facilitate dialogue.

During his conversation with the Bahraini monarch, Prime Minister Shehbaz appreciated Manama’s restraint despite recent hostilities and extended condolences over the loss of lives. Both leaders agreed to continue coordinated efforts for regional peace and stability.

Meanwhile, diplomatic engagement intensified at multiple levels. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a series of calls with counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, South Africa, European Union, Canada, and the United Kingdom. These discussions focused on sustaining the ceasefire, expanding it to Lebanon, and ensuring that ongoing negotiations translate into lasting peace.

International partners widely praised Pakistan’s role in securing the temporary truce, while emphasising the need for its full implementation and extension. Several leaders reiterated readiness to support Islamabad’s mediation efforts and upcoming negotiations.

However, even as diplomatic momentum builds, the situation on the ground remains volatile. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reached out to Prime Minister Shehbaz, seeking urgent support to halt Israeli attacks on his country. Pakistan strongly condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of international law and a threat to regional peace.

Lebanon observed a national day of mourning after Israeli airstrikes killed more than 200 people and injured over 1,000, with widespread destruction reported across Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, and southern regions. In response, the group Hezbollah launched retaliatory rocket fire towards Israel, raising fears of further escalation.

The continued violence has cast a shadow over the fragile US-Iran ceasefire. While Israel maintains that its operations in Lebanon fall outside the truce, Iran and its allies reject this interpretation. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf asserted that Lebanon is an “inseparable part” of the ceasefire framework, warning of strong consequences for violations.

Domestically, political leadership also rallied behind the government’s diplomatic push. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed full support for Prime Minister Shehbaz, emphasising the need for national unity at a critical juncture and praising efforts to reduce tensions and promote dialogue.

As Islamabad prepares to host crucial US-Iran negotiations, Pakistan’s role as a central diplomatic facilitator continues to gain recognition. Yet, with ceasefire violations and regional flashpoints persisting, the success of these efforts will depend on whether ongoing diplomacy can translate into a durable and comprehensive peace.