Islamabad – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held separate telephone conversations on Thursday with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to discuss the rapidly deteriorating situation in the Middle East following Israeli attacks on Iran and subsequent strikes on Gulf states.
According to an official statement from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Pakistani premier expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict and its potential to destabilize the wider region.
Condemnation and Call for Restraint
During both calls, PM Shehbaz strongly condemned Israel’s attacks on Iran and the subsequent strikes targeting friendly Gulf countries. He emphasized the urgent need to uphold the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity as enshrined in the United Nations Charter and international law.
The prime minister urged all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint, end hostilities, and resolve disputes through diplomacy and dialogue.
Coordination with Malaysia
In his conversation with Anwar Ibrahim, both leaders agreed that restoring peace and normalcy in the region was essential and could only be achieved if all sides showed restraint. They further agreed to coordinate their positions on the issue at international forums.
PM Shehbaz also briefed the Malaysian leader on recent developments related to Afghanistan and Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to counter terrorism and ensure security within the country and across the region.
Discussion with Indonesia
Speaking with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, the prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s condemnation of the Israeli attacks on Iran and the subsequent assaults on Gulf countries.
He informed President Prabowo about Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach to Gulf states in response to the crisis, underscoring Islamabad’s proactive efforts to de-escalate tensions.
Both leaders expressed deep concern over the worsening crisis and agreed to work together in urging all parties to show restraint and resolve disputes through constructive dialogue and diplomacy.
PM Shehbaz also briefed the Indonesian president on the latest developments in Afghanistan. The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact in the coming days as the situation evolves.
Regional Context
The prime minister’s outreach comes amid escalating hostilities that began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and have since expanded to include Iranian retaliatory attacks on Gulf states and Israeli incursions into Lebanon.
Pakistan, while not directly involved in the conflict, has significant stakes in regional stability given its proximity to the affected areas and its large diaspora in the Gulf.
