Pakistan's top military leadership has concluded a high-level visit to Iran, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy as Islamabad seeks to position itself as a mediator in the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir wrapped up a three-day official trip to Iran, where he highlighted the necessity of dialogue and de-escalation to address tensions between the United States and Iran through sustained diplomatic efforts. Munir, accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and a delegation, met with key Iranian leaders, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters Commander Ali Abdollahi.
Discussions during the visit focused on regional stability, the evolving security environment, and ongoing diplomatic engagements, with both sides exploring cooperative measures for long-term peace. The ISPR stated that Munir stressed the importance of dialogue, de-escalation, and peaceful resolution of outstanding issues through continuous diplomatic initiatives.
The visit aimed to reinforce Pakistan's commitment to enhancing historical ties with Tehran and supporting a negotiated settlement to the Middle East conflict. Concurrently, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif undertook a tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey, with a focus on regional peace and strengthening bilateral relations.
During his visits, Prime Minister Shehbaz discussed further enhancing relations with these countries, Pakistan's peace efforts in the region, and the global situation. His delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Syed Tariq Fatemi, and foreign media spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality extended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his visit to Antalya, emphasizing the importance of deepening Pakistan-Turkey ties and working together for regional peace. Foreign Minister Dar described the trip as productive, highlighting extensive bilateral engagements across key sectors and interactions with global leaders at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.
Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Erdogan reaffirmed their commitment to expanding strategic cooperation and achieving peace and prosperity. The leaders emphasized the need to capitalize on the current diplomatic opportunities to secure lasting regional peace. Shehbaz also engaged in a trilateral discussion with the leaders of Turkey and Qatar, reviewing regional developments and peace initiatives.
The Prime Minister's Office noted that informal meetings with global leaders were conducted in a cordial atmosphere, focusing on the global situation and regional developments. The engagements underscored Pakistan's dedication to promoting dialogue and cooperation for peace and stability in the region.
