ISLAMABAD, JUL 21 (PTI): Pakistan on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the recent escalation in West Asia and urged all sides to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could further destabilise the region, as it vowed to continue to play its role as an honest and sincere mediator.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif shared his deep concern over the recent escalation in the Gulf region during his meeting with a high-level Iranian delegation led by Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni at his official residence, the PM’s Office said in a statement.
Separately, Momeni met Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi and discussed matters of mutual interest, regional and bilateral security, and effective border management, the army said in a statement. The Iranian leader appreciated Pakistan’s consistent efforts and its diplomatic role in easing regional tensions, encouraging de-escalation and serving as an anchor for peace, it said.
“The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the resolve to maintain close coordination and cooperative mechanisms to safeguard regional security and promote mutual prosperity,” the army said.
In his meeting with Momeni, PM Sharif urged all sides to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could further destabilise the region.
“While emphasising that Pakistan would continue to play its role as an honest and sincere mediator and facilitator, the Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s strong commitment to regional peace and stability,” his office said.
Pakistan, which previously mediated a ceasefire between the US and Iran, is making efforts to prevent the collapse of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last month between the US and Iran. The Islamabad MoU is a 14-point interim peace deal aimed at ending the war between Iran and the US.
While recalling his visit to Tehran earlier this month to attend the funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, Sharif conveyed his good wishes for Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, his office said. Momeni thanked PM Sharif for the warm welcome accorded to his delegation and conveyed greetings and best wishes of the Iranian leadership. He said that he was leading a delegation of senior government officials to enhance bilateral ties.
He expressed deep appreciation for the Pakistani leadership for its “untiring mediation efforts that led to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.” Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Advisor to the PM Dr Syed Tauqir Shah, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and other senior government officials were also present in the meeting. Momeni’s visit comes as the situation in West Asia has deteriorated due to the continued US attacks against Iran, which in retaliation has been hitting American interests in the region.
Despite a massive bombing campaign, it is believed that mediators, including Pakistan, were making behind-the-scenes efforts to arrange a halt in the attacks and start negotiations between the two sides.
Earlier in the day, Momeni laid a floral wreath on the Yadgar-e-Shuhda and was briefed about the monument. A smartly turned-out contingent of the Federal Constabulary presented a guard of honour to the visiting dignitary.
He also visited the Shakarparian Park area, a small hilltop near Islamabad’s Zero-Point, to have a picturesque view of the city.
After his arrival in Pakistan, Momeni had said that Pakistan and Iran should expand cross-border transport capacity to meet a USD 10 billion trade target.
He said that both countries aim to more than triple annual bilateral trade from USD 3 billion to USD 10 billion and that the visit was aimed at “developing relations and following up on agreements reached during President Masoud Pezeshkian’s trip to Pakistan about one month ago”.
“Creating the necessary conditions on both sides of the border will be a main focus of discussions on this trip,” he said, adding that regional developments would also be on the agenda.
Pakistan shares a 900-kilometre border with Iran. The two sides have been trying to use the proximity for greater trade, cultural and religious links.
