Both leaders agree to remain in close contact while continuing their efforts to bring peace, stability to the region
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday urged maximum restraint on part of all stakeholders to prevent further escalation in the raging crisis in the Middle East.
Last week, the United States and Israel jointly launched strikes on Iran that pushed the Middle East into renewed military confrontation as its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was assassinated in the strikes. In response, Iran targeted Israel and US bases in the Middle East.
Pakistan’s leadership has ramped up diplomatic efforts since then and contacted regional leaders to tone down tensions.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s office today, PM Shehbaz held a call with the Turkish president over the situation.
While expressing his deep concern over the escalating crisis in the Middle East, the prime minister condemned the Israeli attack on Iran and the subsequent attacks on other Gulf countries.
“The prime minister apprised President Erdogan of his recent outreach to the leadership of the brotherly Gulf countries, reaffirming Pakistan’s full solidarity with them and conveying its readiness to play a constructive role in efforts aimed at resolving the crisis,” the statement said.
It further added that both leaders underscored the importance of maximum restraint by all parties to prevent further escalation.
The statement also mentioned that PM Shehbaz took President Erdoğan into confidence regarding the recent developments in the context of Afghanistan, where Pakistan is currently waging an operation against the Afghan Taliban and terrorist groups.
“The two leaders agreed to remain in close and frequent contact on this matter while continuing their efforts to bring peace and stability to the region,” it added.
Had a telephone conversation this evening with my very dear brother President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of the Republic of Turkiye, to discuss the escalating situation in the Middle East.
I strongly condemned the Israeli attack on Iran and the subsequent regrettable attacks on…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) March 3, 2026
A day earlier, PM Shehbaz also held telephone talks with the leaders of Syria and Oman, urging de-escalation and dialogue to preserve peace amid the Middle East crisis.
The killing of Khamenei has opened a new chapter of escalation and instability in the Middle East. In the wake of the recent crisis, Pakistan has been consistently urging de-escalation. A day earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan was closely monitoring the regional situation and working to reduce tensions through diplomatic efforts.
Briefing ambassadors from several countries, FM Dar said Pakistan was engaging with regional partners amid what he described as a “fragile and sensitive situation”.
He added that Pakistan was closely monitoring developments in Iran, with all efforts focused on easing tensions, calling the situation “extremely delicate”.
