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Pakistan's Commitment to Iran Amid West Asia Tensions

Islamabad: On Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to support Iran across various international platforms, while engaging in discussions with representatives from Saudi Arabia and Qatar regarding the escalating situation in West Asia.

The Pakistani foreign office expressed significant concern over the deteriorating security conditions in the region, as highlighted in an official statement.

Sharif's commitment to Iran comes in light of a ceasefire announced by President Donald Trump aimed at halting the ongoing conflict with Israel.

In a phone call with Iranian leader Masoud Pezeshkian, Sharif emphasized Pakistan's close monitoring of the evolving circumstances in West Asia and underscored the necessity of achieving peace through dialogue and diplomacy.

He reiterated Pakistan's backing for Iran in all diplomatic discussions, including at the UN Security Council and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), while urging all parties to adhere to international law and the principles of the UN Charter.

President Pezeshkian expressed gratitude for the call and acknowledged Pakistan's steadfast support during the crisis, recognizing its constructive role in seeking a peaceful resolution.

This conversation marked the second interaction between the two leaders amid the ongoing conflict. Previously, on June 14, Sharif condemned Israeli actions against Iran, which he deemed violations of its sovereignty and contrary to international law.

The Prime Minister also affirmed Iran's right to self-defense as outlined in Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Earlier that day, Sharif expressed unwavering solidarity with Saudi Arabia, sharing on social media that he met with Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al Malkiy to discuss the rapidly changing dynamics in West Asia.

He stated, "Pakistan will continue to collaborate closely with Saudi Arabia to foster peace in the region through dialogue and diplomacy."

In another social media update, he mentioned a meeting with Qatari Ambassador Ali Mubarak Ali Essa Al-Khater, where he expressed solidarity following an attack on a US military base the night before.

Sharif emphasized that Pakistan has consistently advocated for dialogue and diplomacy as the sole path to enduring peace in the Middle East, extending prayers for the safety of the Qatari people and the broader region.

In a separate statement, the Foreign Office expressed alarm over the escalating security situation due to attacks on the US's Al Udeid Air base in Qatar.

"We strongly condemn the recent violations of the principle of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries. We urge adherence to fundamental principles of international law and call for restraint by all sides," the statement read.

Pakistan reiterated its call for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts and emphasized the need for immediate de-escalation.

On Monday, Tehran launched missiles targeting US forces at Qatar's Al Udeid air base following President Trump's order to bomb three nuclear sites in Iran.

The ceasefire proposed by Trump faced uncertainty on Tuesday after Israel claimed that Iran had launched missiles into its airspace shortly after the truce was initiated.

Earlier on Monday, Pakistan's National Security Committee expressed concerns about the potential for further escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict following US strikes in Iran, lamenting that these attacks coincided with a constructive negotiation process between Tehran and Washington.

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