Shehbaz, Pezeshkian vow regional peace

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to making "honest and sincere efforts to advance regional peace and security" during a telephone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to an official statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office. According to the statement, the prime minister apprised President Pezeshkian of his recent engagements with several world leaders, including those from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye, aimed at promoting peace in the region. The call came a day after the prime minister concluded a three-country diplomatic visit focused on pushing for an end to the US-Israeli war on Iran. It also followed indications from the United States that it may send a high-level delegation to Islamabad for a second round of talks concerning Iran. The Prime Minister's Office said that Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Pezeshkian held detailed discussions on the evolving regional situation during what it described as a "warm and cordial" conversation lasting approximately 45 minutes. "With the support of friends and partners, Pakistan will remain fully committed to its honest and sincere efforts to advance regional peace and security," the statement quoted the prime minister as saying. He added that his interactions with regional leaders in recent days had been "most helpful" in building consensus for a sustained process of dialogue and diplomacy aimed at achieving lasting peace in the conflict-affected region. Prime Minister Shehbaz also thanked President Pezeshkian and the Iranian leadership for sending a high-level delegation, led by Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, for talks in Islamabad on April 11–12, 2026. The statement further noted that the prime minister appreciated the constructive engagement between the Iranian leadership and Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, during his recent visit to Tehran. Prime Minister Shehbaz also conveyed his respectful regards to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. In response, President Pezeshkian thanked the prime minister and Field Marshal Asim Munir for Pakistan's strong commitment to advancing peace efforts. The Iranian president expressed confidence that bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran would continue to strengthen in the days ahead, the statement added. Simultaneously, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a separate telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Sunday, during which he emphasised the need for continued dialogue and engagement to resolve ongoing issues. "Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and also concurred on a phone call between the President of Iran and PM Shehbaz later today," the Foreign Ministry said on X. Dar stressed that continued dialogue was essential for promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond, it added. Dar also spoke with his counterparts from Poland, Britain, Egypt and Canada. According to the Foreign Office, Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rados?aw Sikorski commended Pakistan's diplomatic efforts in facilitating a ceasefire between the United States and Iran. He appreciated Islamabad's commitment to dialogue. "DPM/FM Sikorski commended Pakistan's efforts in facilitating a ceasefire between Iran and the United States and appreciated Pakistan's continued commitment to dialogue and diplomacy in promoting peace and stability," the ministry said. "Both counterparts appreciated the positive momentum in Pakistan-Poland relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest," the ministry added in a separate statement on X. Meanwhile, DPM Dar also spoke with Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand. "FM Anand appreciated and expressed support for Pakistan's continued efforts to advance sustained dialogue and constructive engagement between the parties," it said. "Both sides expressed hope for lasting peace and a durable ceasefire across the region, including in Lebanon," the statement added, noting that they also reaffirmed their commitment to broader regional stability and cooperation.