Pakistan prime minister Shehbaz Sharif met Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian in New York on Thursday on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, with the two leaders discussing bilateral ties and the ongoing regional conflict.According to a statement issued by Sharif’s office, Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, special assistant to the prime minister Tariq Fatemi and other senior officials from both sides attended the meeting. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi also accompanied Pezeshkian.Sharif expressed “deep concern” over the prolonged US-Iran conflict and called for restraint, de-escalation and sustained diplomatic engagement to secure lasting peace and stability in the region, his office said.Sharing a video of the meeting on X, the PMO said, “Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with the President of Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian today, on the sidelines of the 81st Session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.”The two leaders “reaffirmed the close and longstanding ties between Pakistan and Iran” and “underscored the need to further strengthen bilateral Cooperation across all areas of mutual Interest”, according to the PMO.The meeting came as the conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel continues. Islamabad has consistently positioned itself as a mediator and has said it is seeking to facilitate diplomatic efforts while advocating restraint and de-escalation.Sharif “underscored the importance of building implementing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness “to continue playing sincere and constructive role in support of regional peace and stability”, his office said.Pezeshkian “appreciated Pakistan’s principled diplomacy and concerted efforts for regional peace and security”, according to the PMO.The Iranian president also “underscored the enduring strength of Pakistan-Iran relations, rooted in shared history, culture, and faith” and reaffirmed Tehran’s desire to “further deepen multifaceted cooperation”.The two sides agreed to maintain “regular consultations and close coordination” to address regional challenges and pursue cooperation.
