Saadet Gokce
09 April 2026•Update: 09 April 2026
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday pledged to advance peace efforts during a phone call with his Lebanese counterpart Nawaf Salam as Israel continued its relentless attacks on the country.
Strongly condemning Israel’s ongoing aggression, Sharif offered condolences over the loss of lives, according to a statement on the US social media company X.
Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon killed at least 254 people on Wednesday, with fresh attacks early Thursday killing at least 17 more in southern Lebanon. Lebanon is observing a day of national mourning following the attacks.
Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s “commitment to advance peace efforts, including facilitating dialogue through the upcoming Iran–US talks in Islamabad.”
In separate calls, Sharif thanked Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa for his support in Pakistan’s mediation efforts and discussed the importance of upholding the ceasefire with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker. He also spoke with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, expressing hope that “through concerted efforts, peace would return soon to the entire region.”
The US and Iranian delegations are expected to arrive by Friday, with talks likely to begin Saturday. The format remains unclear, though direct negotiations are anticipated.
Pakistan’s top diplomat Dar engages in phone diplomacy
Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held multiple calls Thursday ahead of the US-Iran talks as Israeli attacks on Lebanon continue.
Dar and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed concern over “serious violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon” and emphasized the importance of its full implementation. He also spoke with South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola on developments in the Middle East.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed support for Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to “promote lasting peace and stability in the region,” according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry.
Dar discussed the situation with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, underscoring “the importance of continued dialogue and diplomatic engagement to advance lasting peace,” and agreed to remain in close contact.
He also held talks with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, expressing hope that “efforts and engagements will foster lasting peace and stability in the region and beyond.”
