The president also congratulates Mojtaba Khamenei; He hopes that the Ayatollah will guide the country towards stability; Give talks about war
President Asif Ali Zardari on the left and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the right.
ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistani leadership on Tuesday congratulated Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei in a move aimed at maintaining a delicate balance at a time when the conflict between Tehran and the US-Israel alliance continues to reshape the regional security landscape.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wrote separately to Mojtaba Khamenei, after he took over as supreme leader following the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Islamabad’s carefully calibrated move came at a time when Pakistan is trying not only to maintain its neutrality in a rapidly escalating regional war but also to reach out to friends in the region and beyond, seeking a reduction in tensions and stability in the Middle East.
“President Asif Ali Zardari conveyed his good wishes to Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei following his election and appointment as Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” said a press release issued on Tuesday by the press wing of the President’s Secretariat.
“The president noted that the region is facing serious tensions and conflicts. He expressed hope that the situation will stabilize and that conditions will improve for the inhabitants of the region,” the press release added.
Furthermore, in the letter, published by the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz expresses “deepest condolences and prayers” for the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, while extending his best wishes to Mojtaba Khamenei.
“The martyrdom of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has deeply saddened the people of Pakistan, who stand in solidarity with the leadership and people of Iran during this difficult time,” the prime minister said.
Shehbaz expressed hope that the new Iranian leader will guide his country “towards peace, stability, dignity and prosperity in the years to come.” Earlier, in a post on X, Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s condolences and congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei for shouldering “onerous responsibility”.
Without naming the United States, Shehbaz’s carefully worded message reflects Pakistan’s attempt to maintain diplomatic balance as tensions escalate in the Middle East amid an ongoing military confrontation between Iran and the US-Israel alliance.
Islamabad has so far avoided publicly taking sides in the conflict, urging restraint and calling for dialogue. At the same time, Islamabad has been working behind the scenes to seek a reduction in tensions between Iran and the Gulf countries.
In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a post on
In these talks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Dar exchanged views on the evolving regional situation and broader global developments. He shared Pakistan’s perspective and underlined the urgent need to ease tensions in the region.
The Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Wang and DPM Dar stressed the importance of de-escalation and stressed the need to pursue dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter.
“Foreign Minister Wang Yi appreciated Pakistan’s constructive efforts aimed at promoting the reduction of tensions and stability in the region,” he said, adding that the two sides reiterated their shared commitment to further deepen bilateral cooperation and agreed to remain in close contact.
Dar also spoke about the developments in the Middle East and the wider region in a phone call to Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. “The two leaders exchanged views on the ongoing deliberations at the UN Security Council,” the foreign ministry said.
During the call, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dar stressed the importance of continued coordination and diplomatic engagement to support the reduction of tensions and promote peace and stability throughout the region and beyond.
Last night, Dar spoke to Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Al Zayani and conveyed Pakistan’s grave concern over the recent attacks in the region, including Bahrain. He Dar reiterated Pakistan’s support for Bahrain and highlighted the need for de-escalation, dialogue and initiatives to promote regional peace and stability.
Pakistan and Iran share a border of almost 900 kilometers and maintain deep historical, cultural and religious connections. At the same time, Pakistan also maintains close strategic relations with the United States and strong political and economic ties with the Gulf Arab states.
Observers say the messages to Iran’s supreme leader indicate continuity in Pakistan’s policy toward Iran even as regional tensions rise. This complex geopolitical positioning means Islamabad must walk a fine diplomatic line during crises involving Tehran.
“The message of condolence and congratulations was necessary from a diplomatic point of view,” said a senior Pakistani official familiar with the matter. “Iran is a neighbor and an important regional country. But at the same time Pakistan has to maintain a balanced stance in the ongoing conflict.”
Islamabad’s diplomatic engagement with Tehran reflects concern to prevent the regional crisis from spreading to neighboring states. Officials say Pakistan hopes the new Iranian leadership will pursue policies that will reduce tensions and help stabilize the region.
“Pakistan desires peace and stability in the region,” Prime Minister Shehbaz wrote in the letter to the Iranian Supreme Leader, expressing hope that Mojtaba Khamenei’s leadership would guide Iran towards prosperity and stability.
(WITH INPUT FROM THE APP)
