Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has praised US President Donald Trump’s diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East, calling them “extraordinary efforts to establish peace”.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz Sharif said that the US President had contacts with the leadership of several important countries, including Pakistan, in the context of the current situation in the region, and these contacts are considered important developments for regional peace and stability.
This response came at a time when US President Donald Trump had telephonic conversations with the leadership of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Pakistan on Saturday. Pakistan was represented by the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan believes in promoting peace, diplomacy and dialogue in the region and supports every effort that helps prevent war and conflict.
According to political and diplomatic circles, the recent contacts indicate that global and regional powers have mobilised to limit the growing tension between Iran and the United States.
On the other hand, Iranian President Masoud Peshmerga said in a statement that the Iranian nation is steadfast despite all the pressure. Citing the example of the historic city of Khorramshahr, he said that just as the Iranian people resisted the invading forces in the past, the nation stands united and strong today.
The Iranian president’s statement comes at a time when the situation in the region is still considered sensitive despite possible diplomatic progress.
Diplomatic experts say that Pakistan is emerging as a key negotiator in the current crisis, while Field Marshal Asim Munir’s recent visit to Tehran and continued contact with the US leadership are also being seen in this context.
Meanwhile, according to international observers, the aim of current diplomatic activities is to reduce the immediate risks of war and create a framework through which the path to long-term stability in the region can be paved.
Pakistani officials have reiterated their commitment that Islamabad will continue to play a positive role in reducing tensions in the region and resolving issues through dialogue.
