Pakistan PM discusses de-escalation with Iran president ahead of Islamabad talks

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif looks on as he attends a business and investment conference with Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur on October 6, 2025.Hasnoor Hussain/Pool/AFP/Getty Images

RIYADH, March 28, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a one-hour call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian ahead of a meeting of foreign ministers from several regional powers in Islamabad, CNN reported, citing a senior Pakistani source.

The call came one day before foreign ministers from Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan were scheduled to meet in the Pakistani capital.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry said earlier that the ministers would hold in-depth discussions on a range of issues, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.

During the call, Sharif condemned Israeli strikes against Iran, reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with Tehran and outlined diplomatic outreach undertaken by his government, according to a statement issued by his office.

Pezeshkian said trust needed to be built to help facilitate talks and mediation, while acknowledging Pakistan’s efforts, the statement added.