Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Thursday called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s Office, where the two leaders reviewed progress on Pakistan’s mediatory efforts aimed at achieving sustainable peace in the region.
Both dignitaries expressed satisfaction over the de-escalation achieved so far and underscored the importance of maintaining the ceasefire and ensuring continued restraint by all parties involved.
The leadership appreciated the restraint demonstrated by all sides and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to facilitate and provide all out support to both the sides to arrive at a peacefully negotiated settlement.
The prime minister lauded the commitment of the parties involved in the process and wished them success in their pursuit of peace.
The meeting takes place as delegations from the US and Iran are due in Islamabad to hold negotiations over the weekend.
Separately, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari telephoned PM Shehbaz, and the two leaders held a detailed exchange of views on the country’s current situation, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.
“Bilawal Bhutto Zardari commended the prime minister’s active diplomatic efforts and effective role in ending tensions between Iran and the United States and establishing a ceasefire,” the statement said, while also praising Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace in the region.
The PPP chairman, stressing the need for national unity and solidarity at this critical stage, expressed complete support for the prime minister and the government.
The prime minister thanked the PPP chairman for his views and support and “reaffirmed his resolve that Pakistan will continue its efforts to promote peace, stability and dialogue in the region”.
Both leaders agreed that mutual consultation and national harmony were essential in the current situation to effectively address the challenges at hand, the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Kuwait, Canada, Spain and European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs to discuss the latest regional developments.
Ishaq Dar spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on the latest regional developments. Both expressed deep concern over ceasefire violations in Lebanon and stressed the urgent need for full respect and implementation of the ceasefire to ensure lasting peace & stability.
Ishaq Dar appreciated Saudi Arabia’s continued support for Pakistan’s efforts toward achieving lasting peace. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact.
Dar spoke with Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East and the wider region.
FM Saidov appreciated Pakistan’s leadership and conveyed Uzbekistan’s full support for all initiatives undertaken by Pakistan in pursuit of peace and stability, especially in securing the initial two-week ceasefire.
Furthermore, Dar spoke with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs (EU HR/VP) Kaja Kallas. Both sides expressed concern over serious violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon and emphasized the importance of its full implementation of the temporary ceasefire in the Middle East.
EU HR/VP reaffirmed EU’s support for Pakistan in its efforts to promote peace and stability.
He also spoke with Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Foreign Minister of Kuwait, on regional developments and Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts.
The foreign minister underscored Pakistan’s commitment to furthering diplomatic efforts toward lasting peace. FM Al-Sabah welcomed the initial ceasefire, appreciated Pakistan’s efforts, and extended full support to Pakistan in this endeavor.
Both ministers expressed concern over ongoing ceasefire violations, including incidents affecting Kuwait and particularly serious breaches in Lebanon, stressing the importance of full respect for the ceasefire to ensure stability and enduring peace.
Moreover, Ishaq Dar spoke with Anita Anand on the latest regional developments and Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts. DPM/FM underscored Pakistan’s commitment to further advancing these efforts toward lasting peace.
FM Anand appreciated Pakistan’s role, including its efforts toward achieving the initial ceasefire, and conveyed Canada’s support for promoting stability and peace.