PM urges restraint in calls with Iran, Qatar leaders to preserve regional peace

 -- PM Shehbaz urges all sides to honour Islamabad peace framework

-- Iranian president appreciates Pakistan's support for regional stability

-- Qatar commends Islamabad's role in advancing peace efforts

-- Leaders agree to intensify diplomatic engagement and bilateral cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday held separate telephone conversations with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian and Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to regional peace and urging all parties to exercise restraint to preserve recent diplomatic gains.

During his conversation with President Pezeshkian, the prime minister expressed deep concern over the recent escalation of tensions in the region and underscored the urgent need to maintain peace and stability.

He called on Iran and all other stakeholders to avoid actions that could undermine the hard-earned progress achieved in recent months through sustained diplomatic efforts.

Prime Minister Shehbaz stressed the importance of fully implementing the commitments made under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), describing it as a lasting framework for promoting mutual understanding, regional cooperation and shared prosperity.

Reaffirming Pakistan's consistent policy of promoting dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution, the prime minister assured the Iranian president that Islamabad remained ready to continue playing a sincere and constructive role in facilitating diplomatic engagement and supporting all initiatives aimed at preserving regional stability.

President Pezeshkian thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and other senior Pakistani leaders for attending the funeral ceremony of the late Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

The Iranian president also appreciated Pakistan's constructive role in promoting regional peace and reaffirmed Tehran's commitment to dialogue and stability.

The two leaders reviewed progress on the implementation of decisions taken during President Pezeshkian's recent visit to Islamabad and agreed to accelerate follow-up measures to further expand bilateral cooperation in various sectors.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also conveyed his respectful regards and best wishes to His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei.

Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and continue consultations on regional developments and issues of mutual interest.

In a separate telephone conversation with the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Prime Minister Shehbaz discussed the evolving regional situation and reiterated Pakistan's support for peace and dialogue.

The prime minister expressed solidarity with the people of Qatar over the recent attacks and called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid steps that could further destabilise the region.

He thanked the Qatari leadership for its consistent support for the peace efforts that culminated in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and the first round of high-level technical talks held at Bürgenstock.

The two leaders agreed that sustained diplomatic engagement, continued dialogue and full adherence to the commitments undertaken under the peace memorandum were essential for ensuring lasting regional stability.

The Amir of Qatar appreciated the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in advancing peace initiatives and assured Pakistan of Qatar's continued support for regional peace and stability.

The two leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintaining close coordination and promoting diplomatic solutions to regional challenges.