ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held talks with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, discussing the escalating Middle East crisis and ongoing efforts to support peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the Prime Minister’s Office said Thursday.

During the exchange, Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Türkiye and Gulf countries amid rising regional tensions.

“I reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast solidarity with Türkiye as well as with other brotherly Gulf countries, and conveyed our readiness to support efforts aimed at de-escalation and dialogue,” the PMO said, quoting the prime minister.

The discussion comes as tensions in the Middle East intensify following recent strikes and retaliatory actions involving Iran, raising concerns over a broader regional conflict.

Sharif condemned attacks targeting Türkiye and other regional countries, urging restraint and calling for diplomatic solutions.

“He stressed upon the need for resolving differences through dialogue and diplomacy,” the statement said.

The leaders also reviewed the situation in Afghanistan, where Sharif acknowledged Türkiye’s role in facilitating regional stability.

“We also exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan and I acknowledged Türkiye’s constructive role in supporting peace efforts between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” the PMO said.

The conversation follows Pakistan’s announcement of a temporary pause in Operation Ghazab lil Haq during Eid-ul-Fitr, a move Islamabad says is aimed at encouraging de-escalation.

Sharif also conveyed Eid greetings to Erdoğan, his family and the people of Türkiye, underscoring the close ties between the two countries.

Articles tagged with "middle east"

Sharif, Erdogan discuss Middle East crisis, Afghan peace efforts in Eid call