Special Correspondent: Pakistan and China emphasized diplomacy and dialogue on regional tensions in the Middle East remained high. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke by phone with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss the evolving regional situation and broader global developments. Dar shared Pakistan’s perspective on current developments and stressed the urgent need to ease tensions and prevent further escalation.

He highlighted the importance of diplomatic efforts to maintain stability in the Middle East. Wang Yi welcomed Pakistan’s role in supporting de-escalation and recognized Islamabad’s commitment to regional peace. Both leaders reiterated the importance of acting in line with United Nations principles.

The two sides reaffirmed the strength of the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership and agreed to maintain close contact on regional and international developments. In a separate development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sent a letter to Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei expressing condolences over the death of Ali Khamenei, Iran’s previous Supreme Leader.

Sharif conveyed the “heartfelt condolences and prayers of the people of Pakistan” to the people of Iran and the wider Muslim Ummah. He offered congratulations to Mojtaba Khamenei on assuming leadership and expressed hope for peace, stability, and prosperity under his tenure. The prime minister also highlighted deep-rooted ties between Pakistan and Iran, based on shared faith, history, culture, and language. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.