ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday condemned Iran’s recent missile strikes in Turkiye, reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with the Turkish people. In a telephonic conversation with President RecepTayyip Erdogan of Turkey, the prime minister said that “the entire Pakistani nation stands with our Turkish brothers and sisters in these challenging times.” he said. “I reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast solidarity with Turkiye as well as with other brotherly Gulf countries, and conveyed our readiness to support efforts aimed at de-escalation and dialogue,” said Sharif, in a post on X. “We urged maximum restraint and stressed upon the need for resolving differences through dialogue and diplomacy.” A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said that both leaders agreed that the resolution of regional tensions could only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy. The conversation also touched upon developments in Afghanistan. Prime Minister Sharif acknowledged Turkey’s constructive role in promoting peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly with regard to the temporary ceasefire recently announced during the Eid period. Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the Sharif recalled Erdogan’s historic visit to Pakistan in February 2025 and his own subsequent visits to Turkey in April and May 2025. He said both countries continued to maintain close cooperation across areas of mutual interest to strengthen bilateral relations. Both leaders also agreed to maintain close contact to promote regional cooperation and mutual interests. The Prime Minister’s Office statement also said that the two leaders exchanged Eid greetings, reaffirming the longstanding bonds between the two countries. During the warm exchange, Sharif conveyed heartfelt Eid-ul-Fitr greetings to Erdogan, his family, and the Turkish people. Erdogan responded with “equal warmth,” and both leaders offered prayers for peace, unity, and prosperity across the Muslim Ummah. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026