Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammad Reza Pezeshkian on Thursday in New York, urging both governments to exercise restraint and avoid any steps that could heighten regional tensions. The discussion, held on the sidelines of an international forum, underscored Pakistan’s determination to pursue diplomatic avenues for peace across several volatile flashpoints.
Sharif highlighted the ongoing diplomatic drive to calm the recent provocations in the Bab el‑Mandeb Strait, warning that unchecked escalation could disrupt critical maritime trade routes that are vital for Pakistan’s economy. He reiterated that Islamabad remains ready to coordinate with Tehran and other regional actors to find a political solution that safeguards the flow of commerce and energy supplies.
The Pakistani premier also raised concerns about militant groups operating from Afghan territory that have launched attacks inside Pakistan, stressing that cross‑border terrorism poses a direct threat to the nation’s internal security and development agenda. He called on Iran to cooperate in curbing the movement of extremist elements, noting that a stable Afghanistan is essential for Pakistan’s long‑term stability.
Both officials agreed to maintain an open line of communication and to collaborate on confidence‑building measures aimed at de‑escalating tensions in the wider region. The meeting concluded with a joint commitment to monitor developments closely and to engage multilateral partners, including the United Nations, to support a peaceful resolution of the issues raised.