Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday held a telephone conversation with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, strongly condemning Israel’s ongoing military aggression against Lebanon and expressing deep sorrow over the loss of thousands of lives.
According to an official statement, Sharif extended heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Lebanon, describing the casualties as a grave humanitarian tragedy. He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with Lebanon amid continued hostilities.
Sharif also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region, highlighting Islamabad’s role in facilitating dialogue, including the upcoming Iran-U.S. talks scheduled to take place in Islamabad. He emphasized that diplomatic engagement remains the only viable path to de-escalation and lasting peace.
Prime Minister Salam appreciated Pakistan’s consistent support and acknowledged Islamabad’s efforts to advance peace initiatives as the regional security situation rapidly deteriorates. He underscored the urgent need for continued international backing to secure an immediate halt to attacks targeting Lebanon and its civilian population.
The call came days after Pakistan led an urgent diplomatic push that resulted in a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States. The agreement, endorsed by Tehran and acknowledged by Washington, opened the door for further negotiations.
However, fresh Israeli strikes on Lebanon have raised doubts about whether the ceasefire can hold, as tensions persist across multiple fronts in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would continue its operations in Lebanon, signaling no immediate pause despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
International affairs experts described Israel’s strikes as a “spoiler” to the ceasefire process, saying Israel may not favor a halt in conflict with Iran or a return to broader regional stability.
Meanwhile, the White House said U.S. President Donald Trump is sending Vice President JD Vance and senior negotiators – including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner – to Pakistan for talks with Iran beginning Saturday.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the discussions in Islamabad will focus on implementing ceasefire terms, restoring freedom of navigation in the Gulf, and exploring a broader framework to prevent renewed fighting. Officials have not disclosed how long the negotiations are expected to last.
Comments
See what people are discussing