Field Marshal Asim Munir during visit to Azad Kashmir. Photo: ISPR
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan’s top military leadership has wrapped up a high-level visit to Iran with a renewed push for diplomacy, as Islamabad intensifies efforts to position itself as a mediator in the widening Middle East conflict.
According to the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir concluded a three-day official trip to Iran, where he stressed the need for dialogue and de-escalation to resolve tensions between the United States and Iran through sustained diplomatic engagement.
Accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and a delegation, he held meetings with key Iranian leaders, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters Commander Ali Abdollahi.
The ISPR said the discussions centred on regional stability, the evolving security environment, and ongoing diplomatic engagements, with both sides exploring cooperative measures for long-term peace.
“The field marshal underscored the need for dialogue, de-escalation, and the peaceful resolution of outstanding issues through sustained diplomatic efforts,” the statement said.
During the visit, he conveyed goodwill messages from Pakistan’s leadership and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening historic ties with Tehran, while also expressing appreciation for the hospitality extended by the Iranian government and people.
The statement added that the visit reflects Pakistan’s “unwavering resolve” to support a negotiated settlement to the Middle East conflict.
Parallel to these efforts, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif undertook a three-nation tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye, where regional peace remained a central theme.
According to the government, the prime minister discussed bilateral ties, the evolving global situation and Pakistan’s mediation efforts during meetings with leadership across the three countries, as well as with international figures on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026.
“During his visits, the prime minister discussed further strengthening relations with the brotherly countries, Pakistan’s efforts for establishing peace in the region, and the regional and global situation,” the government said on X as he departed from Antalya.
“At Antalya Airport, Turkey’s Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Tolga Bermek, Ambassador Nilufer Kaygisiz, Member of the Turkish Parliament Burhan Kayaturk, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkiye Dr Yusuf Junaid bid farewell to the prime minister and the Pakistani delegation”, it added.
The delegation accompanying the premier included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Syed Tariq Fatemi, and spokesperson for foreign media Mosharraf Zaidi.
In a post on X, the prime minister thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for the hospitality extended during the visit, describing it as an “exceptionally warm welcome and gracious hospitality”.
He said he was leaving Antalya with “cherished memories” and a renewed commitment to deepening Pakistan-Turkiye ties, while reaffirming Islamabad’s resolve to work closely with Ankara in advancing dialogue for regional peace.
Foreign Minister Dar described the trip as “productive and fruitful”, citing extensive bilateral engagements aimed at strengthening cooperation across key sectors.
He said the forum has evolved into a global platform for dialogue and noted that the prime minister had an “excellent interaction” with President Erdogan, alongside multiple engagements with other world leaders.
He also expressed appreciation for the arrangements made by the Turkish government and thanked Pakistan’s embassy in Ankara for its support.
A day earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Erdogan had reaffirmed their commitment to expanding strategic cooperation, underscoring shared goals of peace and prosperity.
The meeting, attended by senior officials including Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, emphasised the importance of leveraging the current diplomatic window to secure lasting regional peace.
The prime minister also participated in a trilateral interaction with the leaders of Turkiye and Qatar on the sidelines of the forum, reviewing regional developments and ongoing peace initiatives.
He arrived in Turkiye on Thursday and held multiple informal engagements with global leaders.
“The meetings took place in a cordial atmosphere. During the meetings, the prime minister remained the centre of attention for the global leaders. The meetings also involved an exchange of views on the global situation and regional developments,” the Prime Minister’s Office said.
