Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his deep concern over the recent escalation in the Gulf region and urged all sides to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could further destabilize the region.

He was talking to Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, who, called on him in Islamabad today.

While emphasizing that Pakistan would continue to play its role as an honest and sincere mediator and facilitator, the Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan's strong commitment to regional peace and stability.

Recalling his visit to Tehran, earlier this month, to attend the funeral ceremony of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, the Prime Minister conveyed his respectful regards and good wishes for Supreme Leader Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei and President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian.

Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni thanked the Prime Minister for the warm welcome accorded to him and his delegation in Islamabad. He conveyed greetings and best wishes of the Iranian leadership.

Eskandar Momeni highlighted that he is leading a delegation of senior government officials to enhance bilateral ties. 

He expressed deep appreciation for the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their untiring mediation efforts that led to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

He also expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister's visit to Tehran to attend the funeral ceremony of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei.