Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan prepares to host high-stakes Iran&ndash;US peace talks in Islamabad on Saturday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has received a wave of support and congratulatory messages from world leaders, praising Islamabad&rsquo;s role in facilitating a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. According to the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held a telephone conversation with PM Shehbaz, commending Pakistan&rsquo;s diplomatic efforts that helped secure the ceasefire and restart dialogue between the two sides. The premier also welcomed a joint statement by key European leaders backing Pakistan&rsquo;s peace initiative.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=eyJ0ZndfdGltZWxpbmVfbGlzdCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOltdLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2ZvbGxvd2VyX2NvdW50X3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9iYWNrZW5kIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19yZWZzcmNfc2Vzc2lvbiI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZm9zbnJfc29mdF9pbnRlcnZlbnRpb25zX2VuYWJsZWQiOnsiYnVja2V0Ijoib24iLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X21peGVkX21lZGlhXzE1ODk3Ijp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRyZWF0bWVudCIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3Nob3dfYmlyZHdhdGNoX3Bpdm90c19lbmFibGVkIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19kdXBsaWNhdGVfc2NyaWJlc190b19zZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdXNlX3Byb2ZpbGVfaW1hZ2Vfc2hhcGVfZW5hYmxlZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdmlkZW9faGxzX2R5bmFtaWNfbWFuaWZlc3RzXzE1MDgyIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRydWVfYml0cmF0ZSIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfbGVnYWN5X3RpbWVsaW5lX3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9mcm9udGVuZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9fQ%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2042296988616872107&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=28d51c4530a4a3dd943f3b868588ca3cbd04606b&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 749px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> In Europe, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed support for Pakistan&rsquo;s mediation, with PM Shehbaz appreciating Berlin&rsquo;s role in encouraging dialogue. Similarly, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker reiterated strong endorsement of Pakistan&rsquo;s efforts during a &ldquo;warm and cordial&rdquo; exchange, with both leaders agreeing on the need to sustain the ceasefire for long-term stability.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2042289610408312945&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=28d51c4530a4a3dd943f3b868588ca3cbd04606b&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 576px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also backed Pakistan&rsquo;s diplomatic push, as Islamabad reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the United Kingdom and other partners to achieve lasting peace.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-2" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-2&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2042149851014820169&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=28d51c4530a4a3dd943f3b868588ca3cbd04606b&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 1086px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> Support also came from French President Emmanuel Macron, who lauded what he termed &ldquo;Islamabad Diplomacy.&rdquo;&nbsp; President Macron graciously congratulated Pakistan on its sincere efforts in facilitating the ceasefire between Iran and the United States, and for helping bring both sides to the negotiating table.&nbsp;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=eyJ0ZndfdGltZWxpbmVfbGlzdCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOltdLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2ZvbGxvd2VyX2NvdW50X3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9iYWNrZW5kIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19yZWZzcmNfc2Vzc2lvbiI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZm9zbnJfc29mdF9pbnRlcnZlbnRpb25zX2VuYWJsZWQiOnsiYnVja2V0Ijoib24iLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X21peGVkX21lZGlhXzE1ODk3Ijp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRyZWF0bWVudCIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3Nob3dfYmlyZHdhdGNoX3Bpdm90c19lbmFibGVkIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19kdXBsaWNhdGVfc2NyaWJlc190b19zZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdXNlX3Byb2ZpbGVfaW1hZ2Vfc2hhcGVfZW5hYmxlZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdmlkZW9faGxzX2R5bmFtaWNfbWFuaWZlc3RzXzE1MDgyIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRydWVfYml0cmF0ZSIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfbGVnYWN5X3RpbWVsaW5lX3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9mcm9udGVuZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9fQ%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2042206163878699242&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=407a45cf1bd55927667ca9b480f2e24457dfda8e&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 369px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div> Outreach extended across the Middle East as well. Qatar&rsquo;s Amir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, congratulated PM Shehbaz on Pakistan&rsquo;s mediation role. The premier praised Qatar&rsquo;s &ldquo;wisdom and restraint&rdquo; during weeks of regional tensions and reaffirmed solidarity, emphasizing joint efforts toward peace.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-3" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-3&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2042260725457113224&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=28d51c4530a4a3dd943f3b868588ca3cbd04606b&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 749px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> In a separate development, PM Shehbaz spoke with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, strongly condemning ongoing Israeli attacks in Lebanon and expressing condolences over civilian casualties. Both leaders stressed the importance of continued diplomatic engagement to end the violence. Bahrain&rsquo;s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan voiced strong backing for Pakistan&rsquo;s role in de-escalation efforts. The flurry of diplomatic engagement comes at a critical moment, as Pakistan positions itself at the center of international diplomacy, with US and Iranian delegations expected to arrive in Islamabad on Friday.

FILE: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif receiving the revered award Order of Bahrain (First Class) from King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, in Manama, on November 26, 2025.

Foreign Affairs

Pakistan gains global support for its mediation efforts as a fragile Iran–US ceasefire holds, with delegations set to arrive in Islamabad for crucial talks aimed at advancing dialogue and securing regional stability.

Global leaders back Pakistan as Islamabad hosts Iran–US peace talks

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday condemned attacks targeting Qatar and other Gulf states, calling for restraint and diplomacy during a telephone conversation with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as the widening Middle East conflict continues to escalate.&nbsp;According to a statement from the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office, Sharif expressed condolences over the loss of lives and prayed for those injured in recent attacks, while reaffirming Pakistan&rsquo;s solidarity with Qatar.&nbsp;The outreach comes amid intensifying regional tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which have triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks across Gulf countries, including strikes on critical infrastructure and energy facilities.&nbsp;Sharif voiced concern over the deteriorating situation and emphasized the need for de-escalation.&nbsp;&ldquo;The Prime Minister reiterated that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy,&rdquo; the statement said.&nbsp;He also acknowledged Qatar&rsquo;s restraint in the face of escalating hostilities and briefed the emir on Pakistan&rsquo;s diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and preventing further conflict.&nbsp;Sheikh Tamim appreciated Pakistan&rsquo;s engagement and efforts to promote peace, with both leaders agreeing to remain in close contact as the situation evolves. In a separate development, Sharif also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pm-shehbaz-briefs-saudi-crown-prince-on-regional-peace-efforts-agrees-to-remain-in-close-coordination" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman</a>, reiterating Islamabad&rsquo;s support for Riyadh and condemning attacks on the Kingdom. &ldquo;I reiterated Pakistan&rsquo;s strong condemnation of the recent attacks on the Kingdom and reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s unwavering solidarity and unequivocal support for Saudi Arabia in these challenging times,&rdquo; the prime minister said in a statement on X, adding that both sides agreed to remain in close coordination.&nbsp;Pakistan has intensified diplomatic outreach across the region in recent days, positioning itself as a proponent of de-escalation as the conflict spreads across multiple fronts and raises concerns over regional stability and global energy security.

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Doha on March 5, 2023. (File photo: X/AmiriDiwan)

Pakistan steps up diplomatic outreach amid escalating Middle East tensions, expressing solidarity with Gulf states and urging restraint while engaging regional leaders to promote dialogue and coordinated efforts aimed at preventing further deterioration of the security situation.

Pakistan PM condemns Gulf attacks in call with Qatari emir

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s leadership on Monday urged unity, resilience and collective resolve as the country marked Pakistan Day, with officials at home and abroad paying tribute to the sacrifices that led to the nation&rsquo;s creation in 1947.&nbsp;In separate messages, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the enduring relevance of national cohesion, while reaffirming commitments to economic recovery, security, and democratic strength.&nbsp;Zardari said the occasion was a reminder that &ldquo;unity and solidarity are the most important elements in transforming national resolve into reality,&rdquo; paying tribute to &ldquo;our elders whose struggle and sacrifices led to the creation of Pakistan.&rdquo;&nbsp;He noted that Pakistan had overcome major challenges through &ldquo;mutual cooperation, hard work, and capability,&rdquo; but cautioned that both internal and external challenges persist. &ldquo;We will not allow any group to use Afghan soil for actions against Pakistan,&rdquo; he said, adding that those who sponsor terrorism would be eliminated.&nbsp;Referring to regional dynamics and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the president described India&rsquo;s treatment of minorities, particularly Muslims, as &ldquo;proof&rdquo; of the need for a separate homeland. He called on the international community to support Kashmiris&rsquo; right to &ldquo;self-determination.&rdquo;&nbsp;Zardari also stressed the importance of democratic continuity and equality. &ldquo;Unity, faith and discipline are the guiding principles through which we can make Pakistan even stronger and more prosperous,&rdquo; he said. <div class="fr-embed youtube-embed"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cqNXb2FfrBI?si=Wbj_-RuDsYAhuLkC" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; max-width: 100%; display: block;">&nbsp;</iframe>&nbsp;</div>&nbsp;PM Sharif described March 23 as a defining moment in South Asian history. &ldquo;It was on this day in 1940 that the Muslims of the Subcontinent passed the historic Lahore Resolution and demanded a separate homeland,&rdquo; he said, adding that the vision was realized through the sacrifices of the founding fathers.&nbsp;Acknowledging current pressures, Sharif said Pakistan faces &ldquo;serious challenges&hellip; including inflation, unemployment, circular debt, fiscal and trade deficit, and above all the growing scourge of terrorism.&rdquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;We stand committed to put Pakistan on the path to economic recovery and prosperity with a cogent policy reform framework,&rdquo; he said, urging collective action. &ldquo;Let us renew our firm resolve to follow the footsteps of our founding fathers to make Pakistan a pivot of peace, progress and stability.&rdquo;&nbsp;He added: &ldquo;Let us work for a Pakistan that is not driven apart by differences but is united around shared values.&rdquo;&nbsp;China reaffirms partnershipChinese President Xi Jinping extended congratulations to Zardari, praising Pakistan&rsquo;s efforts to safeguard &ldquo;national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national dignity,&rdquo; and its contributions to &ldquo;regional peace, stability, and development.&rdquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;As a close friend, China is sincerely pleased with Pakistan&#39;s development achievements,&rdquo; Xi said, expressing readiness to &ldquo;build an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future.&rdquo;&nbsp;Chinese Premier Li Qiang also conveyed greetings to Prime Minister Sharif.&nbsp;Ceremonies across global missionsPakistan&rsquo;s diplomatic missions worldwide marked the day with flag-hoisting ceremonies and community events.&nbsp;At the Consulate General in Dubai, Consul General Hussain Muhammad recalled the Lahore Resolution as the foundation of an independent homeland, calling Pakistan&rsquo;s creation through a peaceful democratic struggle &ldquo;an unparalleled milestone in the human history.&rdquo; <div class="fr-embed youtube-embed"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8lBADKuUHKo?si=6CMFRn36J1lciqrB" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; max-width: 100%; display: block;">&nbsp;</iframe>&nbsp;</div>&nbsp;He praised the Pakistani diaspora in the United Arab Emirates as a &ldquo;vital bridge&rdquo; and commended their contribution, noting record remittances in February 2026.&nbsp;In London, High Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Faisal said Pakistan &ldquo;had always professed peace and stability in the region,&rdquo; but warned that it &ldquo;will not tolerate any aggression from neighbouring countries.&rdquo;&nbsp;He described the nation as resilient, showing &ldquo;courage &amp; perseverance&rdquo; despite challenges, and reaffirmed support for Kashmiris&rsquo; right to self-determination.&nbsp;In Dhaka, High Commissioner Imran Haider highlighted Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to global peace while linking sustainable regional stability to a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute.&nbsp;Solidarity was also expressed with the people of Palestine, while national resolve against terrorism was emphasized.&nbsp;At the embassy in Beijing, Ambassador Khalil Hashmi underscored the enduring relevance of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah&rsquo;s principles of &ldquo;Unity, Faith, and Discipline,&rdquo; and highlighted efforts to expand cooperation with China in investment, education, technology, and people-to-people exchanges, particularly as both countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.&nbsp;In New Delhi, Charg&eacute; d&rsquo;Affaires Saad Ahmad Warraich described the Lahore Resolution as a &ldquo;touchstone&rdquo; for Muslims of the subcontinent. <div class="fr-embed youtube-embed"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TcGh4ycGIuQ?si=3u0-3ZsXQti_YdfY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; max-width: 100%; display: block;">&nbsp;</iframe>&nbsp;</div>&nbsp;He said Pakistan&rsquo;s &ldquo;unwavering resolve to preserve and protect its sovereignty and independence&rdquo; remains evident, adding that lasting peace with India depends on &ldquo;equality, mutual respect and peaceful settlement of all disputes,&rdquo; including Jammu and Kashmir, in line with UN resolutions.&nbsp;Across these ceremonies, officials consistently paid tribute to the founding leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and reaffirmed a shared commitment to unity, resilience and national progress.

Culture

Pakistan marked Pakistan Day with leaders urging unity, resilience and economic recovery, while reaffirming counterterrorism resolve and support for Kashmir. Global missions echoed solidarity, as China renewed commitments to deepen bilateral cooperation and partnership

On Pakistan Day, leaders urge unity, resilience and shared resolve

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the ongoing attacks against Bahrain, extended condolences to victims, and emphasized the importance of dialogue and de-escalation. Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-pm-reviews-regional-crisis-iran-evacuation-afghan-security-escalation" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shehbaz Sharif</a>, in a post on X on Saturday, said he &ldquo;spoke with my brother His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to convey warm Eid-ul-Fitr greetings to him and the people of Bahrain.&rdquo;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2035350150827376938&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=15b5cc666b33cd318823f53d4c29da5639c4274d&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 369px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="2035350150827376938">&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>He added, &ldquo;I reiterated Pakistan&rsquo;s strong condemnation of the ongoing hostilities in the region, particularly the attacks against <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/bahrain-naval-chief-visits-naval-headquarters-calls-on-pakistani-counterpart" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bahrain</a>, and extended my deepest condolences on the loss of lives and those injured.&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;I also shared our continued diplomatic outreach for peace and stressed the importance of dialogue and de-escalation,&rdquo; the prime minister said. Conversation with Turkmenistan president&nbsp;In a separate post, Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office stated that &ldquo;Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with H.E. Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan, on the auspicious occasion of Eid ul-Fitr, today.&quot;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2035312877444448503&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=15b5cc666b33cd318823f53d4c29da5639c4274d&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 749px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="2035312877444448503"></iframe></div></div>&ldquo;The Prime Minister extended Eid ul Fitr greetings to the Turkmen President, the Turkmen leadership, and the brotherly people of Turkmenistan.&rdquo; The office added, &ldquo;The feelings were warmly reciprocated by the Turkmen President, who also conveyed his best wishes for the people of Pakistan.&rdquo; &ldquo;The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the positive trajectory of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Turkmenistan and expressed their shared commitment to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries across all spheres of mutual interest, particularly trade, energy, connectivity, and regional development.&rdquo;&nbsp; The post added, &ldquo;The two leaders also underscored the importance of enhancing collaboration in ongoing regional initiatives, particularly in advancing mutually beneficial projects. The conversation was marked by warmth and mutual goodwill, consistent with the cordial relations between both sides.&rdquo;

Sharif says he reiterated 'Pakistan’s strong condemnation of the ongoing hostilities in the region, particularly the attacks against Bahrain, and extended my deepest condolences on the loss of lives and those injured.’

Pakistan’s PM Sharif condemns attacks on Bahrain, stresses dialogue, de-escalation

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday strongly condemned Israel&rsquo;s attacks on Lebanon, expressing condolences over civilian casualties and reaffirming Pakistan&rsquo;s solidarity with the Lebanese people, according to a statement from the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office.&nbsp;PM Sharif conveyed these views during a telephone conversation with his Lebanese counterpart, Nawaf Salam, as hostilities intensified across the Middle East.&nbsp;&ldquo;The Prime Minister condemned, in the strongest terms, Israel&rsquo;s aggression against Lebanon and conveyed deep condolences over the loss of precious lives,&rdquo; the statement said.&nbsp;PM Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s &ldquo;full support for Lebanon&rsquo;s sovereignty and territorial integrity&rdquo; and offered to play a constructive role in peace efforts.&nbsp;Recalling longstanding ties between the two countries, PM Sharif assured the Lebanese leadership of Pakistan&rsquo;s continued support at what officials described as a critical moment for regional stability.&nbsp;The two leaders also discussed the wider regional escalation following Israel&rsquo;s attacks on Iran and subsequent retaliatory strikes across Gulf states.&nbsp;Both agreed on the urgent need for de-escalation and the early restoration of peace, the statement added.&nbsp;PM Salam thanked Sharif and the people of Pakistan for their expressions of solidarity, according to the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office, and welcomed Islamabad&rsquo;s support amid the ongoing crisis.&nbsp;Pakistan has repeatedly called for restraint, respect for international law and renewed diplomacy as fighting spreads across multiple fronts in the Middle East.

During a phone call with Lebanon’s prime minister, PM Shehbaz Sharif offers condolences, pledges support for Lebanese sovereignty, and urges de-escalation, as both leaders stress diplomacy to prevent wider regional conflict following recent Middle East hostilities.

Pakistan PM condemns Israel attacks on Lebanon, urges regional de-escalation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Austrian Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker reaffirmed the long-standing historical ties between their countries and expressed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations, especially in economic cooperation, trade, and investment, the Foreign Office said in a statement released after the PM&#39;s visit to Austria.&nbsp;&ldquo;Both the leaders noted the potential between the two countries to enhance cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, tourism, hospitality, education, IT, healthcare and human resource development and mobility and in this regard they agreed to work for the early finalization of various Memoranda of Understanding under consideration related to these areas,&rdquo; the statement said.&nbsp;During the meeting, both sides took stock of developments at the global level and agreed on the central role of the United Nations in addressing the challenges of peace and security, sustainable development and promotion of human rights.&nbsp;The visit marked 70 years of diplomatic relations between Austria and Pakistan, with both countries expressing their unwavering support for multilateralism and a rule-based global order, underpinned by the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, and further enhancing their collaboration to strengthen the UN system. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2023733818126164383&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=3cf33467196594088ea070effbcfeb5a82e85041&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 898px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>&nbsp;&ldquo;The Federal Chancellor of Austria and the Prime Minister of Pakistan also co-chaired a forum of leading Austrian and Pakistani companies. It was agreed to further enhance bilateral exchanges and cooperation through existing and future frameworks, building on the established mechanisms of dialogue,&rdquo; the statement said.&nbsp;PM Sharif invited Austrian businesses to participate in the upcoming EU-Pakistan Business Forum, to be held in Islamabad in April, and also invited Federal Chancellor Stocker to visit Pakistan.

PM Shehbaz Sharif met with the Federal Chancellor of Austria, Christian Stocker, to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations, reaffirm historic ties, and pledge enhanced bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, education, healthcare, IT, tourism, and UN-led global initiatives.

Pakistan-Austria leaders reaffirm bilateral ties, vow to expand economic cooperation: Foreign Office

ISLAMABAD: Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Islamabad on Thursday for a two-day state visit as Pakistan and Uzbekistan signed a wide-ranging set of agreements&nbsp;aimed&nbsp;at boosting bilateral trade to $2 billion over the next five years and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, according to an official statement.&nbsp;Mirziyoyev, accompanied by a high-level delegation of cabinet ministers and business leaders, was welcomed at Nur Khan Airbase with a red-carpet reception. A 21-gun salute was fired, while a contingent of the Pakistan Armed Forces presented a guard of honor. Children in traditional dresses waved the national flags of both countries and presented floral bouquets to the visiting leader.&nbsp;Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif greeted the Uzbek president, describing the visit as an opportunity to &ldquo;further strengthen the close and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan and translate political understanding into concrete economic outcomes.&rdquo;&nbsp;The visit comes amid intensified regional engagement by Islamabad, following the 10th session of the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Intergovernmental Commission earlier this week, where both sides agreed on a time-bound plan to expand trade, investment and regional connectivity. It also follows a high-level visit by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, underscoring Pakistan&rsquo;s broader push to deepen economic links with Central Asian partners.&nbsp;During talks at the Prime Minister&rsquo;s House, Sharif and Mirziyoyev signed a bilateral trade and economic cooperation agreement, committing both sides to raise trade volumes to $2 billion within five years. The two leaders also witnessed the exchange of 28 agreements and memoranda of understanding spanning trade and investment, defense, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, information technology, mining, energy, education, culture, disaster management and maritime cooperation.&nbsp;Key accords included a defense cooperation action plan, agreements on preferential trade, maritime connectivity through Karachi, Gwadar and Port Qasim, cooperation in pharmaceuticals, agriculture and food security, digital technologies, climate change and disaster risk reduction, as well as the establishment of a Pakistan-Uzbekistan Interregional Forum and a Joint Business Council to strengthen business-to-business ties.&nbsp;In remarks to the media, Sharif praised Mirziyoyev&rsquo;s role in advancing regional peace and development, saying:&nbsp;&ldquo;I would like to convey my heartfelt congratulations on [your] being awarded the highest civil award of Pakistan, Nishan-e-Pakistan, for your great services and contribution to strengthen our brotherly relations and your commitment to convert these friendly relations into economic cooperation, trade and investment.&rdquo;&nbsp;Sharif also highlighted the shared historical and cultural bonds between the two countries, noting:&nbsp;&ldquo;The Mughal legacy from the valley of Fergana and the intellectual luminaries of Samarkand and Bukhara have marked Pakistan&rsquo;s history. These historical facts provide a very sound foundation for our durable relations and a very bright future.&rdquo;&nbsp;The leaders inaugurated the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, a new mechanism designed to ensure implementation of bilateral decisions. They also discussed regional connectivity initiatives, including the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project, which Sharif described as &ldquo;a game changer, not only for our countries but for the entire region.&rdquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;We have agreed to constitute a joint working group to chart out a five-year plan covering all spheres of economic activity, with quarterly reviews to ensure tangible results,&rdquo; Sharif said.&nbsp;As part of the visit, the two leaders unveiled plaques for Tashkent Street and Babur Park in Islamabad. Mirziyoyev also visited Global Industrial &amp; Defense Solutions, where he met Pakistan&rsquo;s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, to discuss defense cooperation.&nbsp;Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar described the visit as a milestone, saying,&nbsp;&ldquo;Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen and diversify the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.&rdquo;&nbsp;This is President Mirziyoyev&rsquo;s second visit to Pakistan in four years, reflecting what officials describe as the upward trajectory of bilateral relations, anchored in shared history and an expanding economic and strategic partnership across Central and South Asia.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev begins two-day state visit as Islamabad and Tashkent sign 28 agreements, pledging to raise bilateral trade to $2 billion and expand cooperation across key sectors.

Pakistan, Uzbekistan seal 28 deals, target $2B trade expansion

Leaders sign wide-ranging agreements on security, connectivity, climate action and technology, marking the first Kazakh presidential visit to Pakistan in over two decades and signalling deeper regional engagement.

Pakistan, Kazakhstan forge strategic partnership, target $1 billion trade expansion

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday briefed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Pakistan&rsquo;s participation in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, stating that a final decision is expected to be taken either on Friday or next Monday. Naqvi wrote on his X, &ldquo;Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif. Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table.&rdquo; The chairman of PCB further added &ldquo;It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday.&rdquo;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2015760606700409207&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=4ac4e8abe2a399a2a61c0f871cc0a2501873e317&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 763px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div> The development comes amid growing questions over Pakistan&rsquo;s participation in the tournament after the ICC decided to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/scotland-replace-bangladesh-in-t20-world-cup-2026-after-icc-decision" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">replace</a>&nbsp;Bangladesh with Scotland. Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland after refusing to tour India due to safety concerns stemming from strained political relations between the two countries, ahead of the scheduled to begin next month, according to ICC. The governing ICC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/icc-rejects-bangladeshs-plea-to-play-t20-world-cup-matches-outside-india" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">rejected</a>&nbsp;Bangladesh&rsquo;s request to move their matches to tournament co-host Sri Lanka. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) made the decision earlier this month, following the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders&#39; (KKR) release of experienced Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad, at the directives of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The ICC Men&rsquo;s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to begin on Feb. 7, with Pakistan originally set to open their campaign against the Netherlands, according to ESPN cricinfo.&nbsp;Pakistan are drawn in &lsquo;Group A&rsquo; alongside India, the Netherlands, the USA and Namibia, with all of their group matches to be played in Sri Lanka under the hybrid model. Pakistan are due to face the USA on Feb. 10, followed by the much-anticipated clash against India on Feb. 15, before concluding the group stage against Namibia on Feb. 18.&nbsp;If Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals and final, both matches are slated to be played in Colombo. Otherwise, the knockout fixtures will take place in Kolkata and Ahmedabad.

Cricket

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi briefed PM Shehbaz Sharif on T20 World Cup 2026 participation, with a final decision expected Friday or Monday, amid Bangladesh’s replacement by Scotland.

Pakistan T20 World Cup participation decision expected soon; Naqvi briefs PM Sharif

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday arrived in Davos, Switzerland, to lead high-level Pakistani delegation to the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 from January 20 to 22, said the Prime Minister Office on its official Facebook.&nbsp;The prime minister is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with other senior officials. During the visit, PM Sharif is set to participate in a series of substantive engagements aimed at strengthening Pakistan&rsquo;s global economic and diplomatic outreach.&nbsp;As part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/trump-to-attend-world-economic-forum-in-davos-next-week-organizers" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">WEF program</a>, the prime minister will take part in the Informal Gathering of World Economic Leaders session titled &ldquo;Restoring a Spirit of Dialogue in a Divided World.&rdquo; He will also host and chair a Pakistan-specific High-Level Business Roundtable, engaging with leading international corporate executives to highlight investment opportunities in Pakistan. The premier is expected to hold interactions with several world leaders and prominent business executives. He will articulate Pakistan&rsquo;s perspective on global and regional peace and development, while underscoring the government&rsquo;s vision, reforms, and achievements in the areas of economy, trade, and investment. The World Economic Forum&#39;s annual meeting brings together political leaders, business executives, heads of international organizations, and civil society representatives to deliberate on the world&#39;s key geopolitical, economic, social, and environmental challenges.

During the visit, the prime minister will participate in a series of substantive engagements to strengthen Pakistan’s global economic and diplomatic outreach.

Articles tagged with "PM Shehbaz Sharif"