Islamabad: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday vowed to advance peace efforts during a phone call with his Lebanese counterpart Nawaf Salam, as Israel continued its aggressive attacks on Lebanon.
According to Anadolu Agency, during the conversation, Sharif strongly condemned Israel's ongoing aggression and offered condolences over the loss of lives, as conveyed in a statement on the US social media platform X. The recent Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have resulted in the deaths of at least 254 individuals on Wednesday, with additional attacks early Thursday claiming at least 17 more lives in southern Lebanon. Lebanon has declared a day of national mourning in response to the assaults.
Sharif reiterated Pakistan's commitment to advancing peace efforts, including facilitating dialogue through the forthcoming Iran-US talks in Islamabad. In separate discussions, Sharif expressed gratitude to Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa for his support in Pakistan's mediation initiatives and highlighted the significance of maintaining the ceasefire with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker. During his conversation with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Sharif conveyed hope that 'through concerted efforts, peace would soon return to the entire region.'
The anticipated arrival of US and Iranian delegations by Friday sets the stage for talks likely to commence on Saturday, although the format of these discussions remains uncertain, with direct negotiations anticipated.
In a parallel diplomatic effort, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar engaged in extensive phone diplomacy on Thursday, amid the ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon. Dar, in his conversations with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, expressed concern over 'serious violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon' and stressed the importance of its thorough implementation. Additionally, he discussed the developments in the Middle East with South Africa's Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper conveyed support for Pakistan's ongoing endeavors to 'promote lasting peace and stability in the region,' as stated in a Foreign Ministry release. Dar also conversed with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, emphasizing 'the importance of continued dialogue and diplomatic engagement to advance lasting peace,' and both agreed to maintain close contact. Further discussions were held with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, with Dar expressing hope that 'efforts and engagements will foster lasting peace and stability in the region and beyond.'