Islamabad, March 25 – Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif briefed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman on Wednesday about Islamabad's diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict in West Asia.
Furthermore, Pakistan continued its diplomatic outreach by holding telephone conversations and meetings with the leaders of Malaysia, Qatar, the UK, China, and the European Union, urging Islamabad to resolve the differences through dialogue and diplomacy.
Sharif's call to the Saudi crown prince came a day after the Pakistani prime minister offered to host talks between the US and Iran to reach a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict.
Sharif reiterated Pakistan's strong condemnation of the recent attacks on the Kingdom and reaffirmed Islamabad's unwavering solidarity and support for Saudi Arabia during these challenging times.
"I also briefed His Royal Highness on Pakistan's diplomatic outreach efforts for regional peace and stability. We agreed to maintain close coordination," he said.
Sharif stated that during the call, he appreciated the Kingdom's restraint, and "I emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation and an end to hostilities."
The Saudi Press Agency reported that Sharif "reiterated Pakistan's full support and commitment to standing firmly with the Kingdom against repeated Iranian attacks threatening its security and sovereignty."
The US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran since February 28, and the retaliatory actions by the Islamic nation have extended the conflict to the entire Gulf region.
The US and Israel's joint attack resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The joint strikes followed days of preparations, with Trump increasing pressure on Tehran to agree to a new deal on its nuclear programme.
The conflict has also had a significant impact on energy supply chains, especially across the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on X on Tuesday, Sharif said that Islamabad was "ready and honored" to facilitate "meaningful and conclusive talks" between the US and Iran to end the ongoing conflict.
Hours later, US President Donald Trump shared Sharif's post on his Truth Social platform.
According to media reports, the US sent Iran a 15-point plan and ceasefire proposal to end the conflict in the Middle East on Tuesday.
The peace plan was shared with Iranian officials via Pakistan.
According to official sources, Pakistan is in contact with both the US and Iran, facilitating backchannel communication, including initial drafts of respective demands for creating peace in the region.
Pakistan maintains close ties with both Iran and the Trump administration.
Prime Minister Sharif also held a telephone conversation with the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and informed him about Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in the West Asia region.
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement on X that he appreciated Qatar's "remarkable restraint in the wake of the ongoing hostilities."
It said that the Prime Minister "apprised His Highness the Amir of Pakistan's diplomatic outreach and its peace efforts."
PM Sharif also emphasised that Pakistan had consistently called on all parties to de-escalate and resolve their differences through "dialogue and diplomacy."
The prime minister expressed his serious concern over the ongoing hostilities in the region and reiterated strong condemnation of the attacks against Qatar and other Gulf countries, while conveying deep condolences over the loss of precious lives in these attacks, while praying for the injured.
He assured the Amir of Pakistan's full solidarity and support with the people of Qatar, especially at this challenging time.
The Amir appreciated Pakistan's sincere diplomatic efforts for regional peace. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact in the coming days, the PMO said.
In a related development, Pakistan continued its diplomatic outreach on Wednesday with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also holding a telephone conversation with Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad bin Haji Hasan.
The two leaders discussed recent regional and international developments of mutual interest, according to the Foreign Office.
"They emphasised the importance of de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy to address ongoing challenges," it said.
Separately, Dar held a telephonic conversation with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas.
The FO said that during the conversation, both sides exchanged views on recent regional and international developments.
Dar emphasised the "importance of de-escalation, underscoring that dialogue and diplomacy remain essential for maintaining peace and stability."
They also agreed to remain in close contact on the evolving situation, the Foreign Office said.
Earlier on Tuesday, Dar spoke with his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, exchanging views on the evolving regional situation, according to the Foreign Office.
"Dar underscored the importance of peace and stability, calling for immediate de-escalation and emphasising that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path forward," it said.
Separately, Dar received British High Commissioner Jane Marriott at the Foreign Office, and the two held discussions on the evolving regional situation.
Dar "underscored that diplomacy and dialogue remain the only viable path forward, emphasising the urgent need for early resolution of the conflict," the FO said.
The deputy prime minister also met Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, who called on him, and their discussions focused on the unfolding regional and global developments.
Dar "underscored the urgent need to promote de-escalation in the Middle East and the wider region through dialogue and diplomacy."
Reiterating the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, they agreed to maintain close cooperation on issues of mutual interest, according to the FO.
Prior to this, Sharif, on Monday, in a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, had stressed the urgent need for collective efforts for de-escalation in West Asia.