ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif used Eid-ul-Fitr engagements with leaders across the Muslim world to push for urgent de-escalation in the Middle East, as the US-Israeli war on Iran continues to fuel regional instability and threaten Gulf security and energy routes.
In a series of phone calls, Sharif exchanged Eid greetings while underscoring the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve escalating tensions involving Iran and Gulf states, according to statements issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Friday.
During his conversation with Egypt’s leadership, Sharif praised Cairo’s peace efforts and stressed the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement.
“The Prime Minister reaffirmed the strong and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Egypt and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation,” the PMO said.
In another call, PM Sharif spoke with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman where both leaders exchanged views on regional developments in South Asia as well as the situation in Middle East and urged the pursuit of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve differences and disputes.
Recalling the historic ties between the two countries, PM Sharif assured PM Rahman of Pakistan’s firm commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation with Bangladesh, across all spheres.
“Both leaders looked forward to working closely in the days ahead for the shared objectives of regional as well as global peace and stability,” the PMO said.
In a separate call with Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, both leaders “exchanged views on the ongoing hostilities in Iran and the Gulf region and stressed upon the need for an immediate de-escalation and use of dialogue and diplomacy for resolution of all disputes.”
Sharif also spoke with Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, with both sides acknowledging growing bilateral ties while calling for restraint.
“Both leaders… reaffirmed their shared resolve to further strengthen Pakistan-Malaysia fraternal relations,” the PMO said, adding they agreed to “work together for advancing peace efforts.”
In another call, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and Sharif discussed regional tensions, with the Pakistani premier condemning attacks on Azerbaijan and expressing solidarity.
“The two leaders reaffirmed their mutual resolve and commitment to further strengthen these fraternal ties,” the statement said.
The outreach comes amid intensifying conflict following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which have triggered retaliatory actions across the region, including threats to Gulf infrastructure and shipping routes. Islamabad has consistently called for restraint, positioning itself as a proponent of dialogue while maintaining close ties with Gulf partners.
Sharif’s Eid diplomacy reflects Pakistan’s broader effort to prevent further escalation in a conflict that risks drawing in regional states and deepening economic and security challenges across the Muslim world.
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