Shehbaz Sharif Calls for Middle East De-escalation with Malaysia, Azerbaijan & Uzbekistan | Pakistan News
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engaged in a flurry of diplomatic activity Friday, holding telephone conversations with the leaders of Malaysia, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan, as regional tensions escalate following the recent conflict between Iran and Israel. All four leaders called for immediate de-escalation and a return to dialogue.
The discussions centered on the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, which have expanded beyond direct confrontations between Iran and Israel. According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Tehran has been targeting US bases and assets in other countries, including Azerbaijan, while Israel has continued its operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
During a call with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Sharif “strongly condemned the attacks against Azerbaijan and expressed full solidarity and support with the brotherly people of Azerbaijan in these challenging times,” the PMO stated on X, formerly known as Twitter. Both leaders emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation and a resolution of outstanding issues through dialogue and diplomacy. Sharif also extended Eidul Fitr greetings to Aliyev, which were warmly reciprocated.
Sharif reiterated his condemnation of the attacks on Azerbaijan in a separate post on X, adding, “We agreed on the urgent need for de-escalation and resolution of tensions through dialogue and diplomacy, while reaffirming our shared commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Azerbaijan brotherly ties.” Two weeks prior, Sharif had already expressed “serious concern” over the attacks on Azerbaijan via X.
In a separate conversation, Sharif and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim discussed the situation in Iran and the Gulf region, agreeing on the need for de-escalation and continued joint efforts to promote peace. The PMO stated that both leaders expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in bilateral ties and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Pakistan-Malaysia relations. Sharif also conveyed Eidul Fitr greetings to Ibrahim.
Sharif reiterated the discussion on X, stating that he and Ibrahim agreed on the “urgent need for de-escalation and continued joint efforts to promote peace through dialogue and diplomacy.” He also highlighted the positive momentum in Pakistan-Malaysia relations.
The premier also spoke with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, exchanging views on the hostilities in Iran and the Gulf region and stressing the importance of immediate de-escalation and dialogue. The PMO noted that the conversation took place in a “most cordial” atmosphere, with both leaders exchanging Eid greetings and expressing satisfaction with the outcomes of Mirziyoyev’s recent visit to Pakistan.
Sharif emphasized the importance of following up on key decisions made during Mirziyoyev’s visit to further strengthen bilateral ties. On X, he stated, “I expressed satisfaction at the highly successful outcomes of his recent visit to Pakistan and underscored the importance of continued follow-up to further strengthen our bilateral partnership.” He added that they discussed the situation in Iran and the Gulf region, agreeing on the urgent need for de-escalation and resolution through dialogue.
These calls follow earlier discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Jordan’s King Abdullah II, where the situation in the Middle East was also a central topic. As of Friday evening, no joint statements or concrete plans for coordinated action had been released by the involved governments.