Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a phone call on Saturday evening, during which the Pakistani leader welcomed Iran’s willingness to assist in de-escalating the tensions between Pakistan and India, according to Iranian state media.
The conversation follows the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, where 26 individuals — mostly tourists — lost their lives in what is being called the deadliest attack in the disputed Himalayan region since 2000. Responsibility was allegedly claimed by a previously little-known group, The Resistance Front (TRF).
In the aftermath, both Pakistan and India, nuclear-armed neighbors, have taken retaliatory steps against each other. India suspended the crucial Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), while Pakistan responded by threatening to suspend the Simla Agreement and closing its airspace to Indian flights. India has hinted at cross-border involvement in the attack, an allegation firmly denied by Islamabad.
During the call, Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated his official invitation to President Pezeshkian and welcomed Iran’s intention to mediate. He stressed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and expressed openness to Iran playing a constructive role in lowering tensions.
“Pakistan condemns all forms of terrorism and has no involvement in the Pahalgam incident, which occurred in Indian-occupied Kashmir,” the prime minister stated.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to engage in a transparent, neutral investigation into the attack, highlighting that Pakistan has suffered extensively from terrorism over the past two decades, losing thousands of lives and investing billions of dollars to combat the threat.
Regarding India’s move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, Shehbaz Sharif condemned the use of water as a weapon, declaring that Pakistan would defend its rights vigorously.
The conversation also touched on the recent explosion at Iran’s Shahid Rajaee port, with the prime minister expressing solidarity and offering assistance. In response, President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its support and praised its efforts for promoting regional peace. Both leaders extended invitations for official visits to each other’s capitals.
