In call with Bahrain king, PM Shehbaz says Pakistan continues supporting efforts to ending regional hostilities | The Express Tribune

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told Bahrain’s king on Saturday that Pakistan would continue its support for all diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing an end to the current conflict in the Middle East. 

The current Middle East conflict erupted on February 28 when US and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes on Iran. The attacks quickly escalated, with Iran retaliating through drone and missile strikes targeting US assets and allied interests across the Gulf.

Pakistan has maintained a cautious but supportive stance, calling for restraint and dialogue while avoiding direct involvement. Islamabad has expressed solidarity with Iran, highlighting historical, cultural, and economic ties. Officials have engaged in diplomatic efforts, with PM Shehbaz and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who also serves as foreign minister, holding regular calls with relevant regional leaders to urge de-escalation.

In a post on X today, the government said PM Shehbaz held a telephone call with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

“The prime minister also apprised the king of Bahrain of Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach efforts aimed at the restoration of peace in the region. He assured the king of Bahrain that Pakistan would continue to support all diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the ongoing hostilities.”

The premier extended Eid greetings and felicitations to the king and people of Bahrain. The latter reciprocated the sentiments and both leaders prayed for unity and harmony in the ranks of the Muslim community.

The prime minister reiterated his strong condemnation of the ongoing hostilities in the region, particularly the attacks carried out against Bahrain. He also extended his condolences on the loss of lives and those injured in the attacks in Bahrain.

“While appreciating the patience and restraint shown by Bahrain, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity and support for Bahrain and its people, during these difficult times.”

Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact on bilateral and regional matters.

The prime minister similarly said on X that he shared Pakistan’s continued diplomatic outreach for peace and stressed the importance of dialogue and de-escalation in his conversation.

PM Shehbaz also earlier exchanged Eid greetings with Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

“The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the positive trajectory of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Turkmenistan and expressed their shared commitment to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries across all spheres of mutual interest, particularly trade, energy, connectivity, and regional development.

“The two leaders also underscored the importance of enhancing collaboration in ongoing regional initiatives, particularly in advancing mutually beneficial projects,” the government said on X.

The prime minister said the two agreed to continue working closely to “realise our shared vision of peace, progress and prosperity”.

The premier had similarly urged de-escalation in the Gulf and the Middle East as he discussed the current conflict with the leaders of Malaysia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan a day ago.