Field Marshal Asim Munir during his visit to Azad Kashmir. Photo: ISPR
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan’s top military leaders concluded a high-level visit to Iran with a renewed push for diplomacy, as Islamabad steps up efforts to position itself as a mediator in the growing Middle East conflict.
According to the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir concluded a three-day official trip to Iran, where he highlighted the need for dialogue and de-escalation to resolve tensions between the United States and Iran through sustained diplomatic engagement.
Accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and a delegation, he met with key Iranian leaders, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters Commander Ali Abdollahi.
The ISPR said the discussions focused on regional stability, evolving security environment and ongoing diplomatic engagements, and both sides explored cooperative measures for long-term peace.
“The field marshal stressed the need for dialogue, reduction of tensions and peaceful resolution of outstanding issues through sustained diplomatic efforts,” the statement said.
During the visit, he conveyed goodwill messages from Pakistan’s leaders and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening historic ties with Tehran, while expressing gratitude for the hospitality extended by the Iranian government and people.
The statement added that the visit reflects Pakistan’s “unwavering resolve” to support a negotiated solution to the Middle East conflict.
In parallel with these efforts, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif undertook a three-country tour: Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye, where regional peace remained a central theme.
According to the government, the prime minister discussed bilateral relations, evolving global situation and Pakistan’s mediation efforts during meetings with leaders of the three countries as well as international figures on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026.
“During his visits, the prime minister discussed further strengthening relations with brotherly countries, Pakistan’s efforts to establish peace in the region and the regional and global situation,” the government said on Day X while leaving Antalya.
“At Antalya Airport, Turkish Foreign Ministry Director General Ambassador Tolga Bermek, Ambassador Nilufer Kaygisiz, Member of Turkish Parliament Burhan Kayaturk and Pakistani Ambassador to Turkiye Dr. Yusuf Junaid bid farewell to the Prime Minister and the Pakistani delegation,” he added.
The delegation that accompanied the prime minister included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Syed Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Media Spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi.
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He said he was leaving Antalya with “cherished memories” and a renewed commitment to deepening ties between Pakistan and Turkey, while reaffirming Islamabad’s determination to work closely with Ankara to promote dialogue for regional peace.
Foreign Minister Dar described the trip as “productive and fruitful”, citing extensive bilateral engagements aimed at strengthening cooperation in key sectors.
He said the forum has become a global platform for dialogue, noting that the prime minister had an “excellent interaction” with President Erdogan, in addition to multiple engagements with other world leaders.
He also expressed his gratitude for the arrangements made by the Turkish government and thanked the Pakistani embassy in Ankara for its support.
A day earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Erdogan had reaffirmed their commitment to expanding strategic cooperation, underlining shared goals of peace and prosperity.
The meeting, attended by senior officials including Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, emphasized the importance of taking advantage of the current diplomatic window to ensure lasting regional peace.
The prime minister also participated in a trilateral interaction with the leaders of Turkiye and Qatar on the sidelines of the forum, reviewing regional developments and ongoing peace initiatives.
He arrived in Turkiye on Thursday and held multiple informal engagements with world leaders.
“The meetings were held in a cordial atmosphere. During the meetings, the Prime Minister remained the center of attention of world leaders. The meetings also included an exchange of views on the global situation and regional developments,” the Prime Minister’s Office said.
