Shehbaz Sharif meets Iranian president at UNGA, vows to pursue peace efforts

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, with the two leaders discussing bilateral relations and the evolving regional situation.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi were also present during the meeting. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also attended the talks.

The meeting focused on Pakistan-Iran relations and developments in the region. Both sides exchanged views on efforts to promote peace and stability amid ongoing tensions in the region.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan remained hopeful that lasting peace could be achieved between the United States and Iran.

He said Islamabad was continuing its efforts to help reduce tensions and facilitate dialogue between the two sides. The prime minister stressed that Pakistan was playing the role of a sincere and honest mediator between Iran, its neighbouring countries and the United States.

Shehbaz said unexpected developments following the memorandum of understanding had affected the peace process. However, he said Pakistan had not abandoned its efforts to prevent the situation from escalating further.

“We have not lost hope,” the prime minister said, adding that Pakistan’s full attention remained focused on supporting diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.

Asked about the possibility of a meeting between the US and Iranian presidents, Shehbaz described it as an ongoing process. He said several friendly countries were also making efforts to promote peace and find a diplomatic solution to the dispute.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reportedly been provided special security protection by the US Secret Service during his stay in the United States.