Timely, decisive action was inevitable against India: PM

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a series of telephone conversations with the leadership of Qatar, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, and Tajikistan on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to regional peace, enhanced bilateral cooperation, and solidarity within the Muslim Ummah.

In his call with the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the prime minister extended warm Eid greetings and expressed his best wishes to the Qatari people. He thanked Qatar for its proactive diplomacy and constructive role in reducing recent tensions between Pakistan and India. PM Shehbaz also appreciated the efforts of the Qatari prime minister and foreign minister in promoting peace and regional stability.

Both leaders reiterated their shared desire to strengthen ties, especially through mutually beneficial trade and investment partnerships. They agreed to stay in contact and meet at the earliest convenience. The emir of Qatar also conveyed his Eid greetings and good wishes to the people of Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also spoke with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, congratulating him and the Azerbaijani people on Eid-ul-Adha. He recalled celebrating Azerbaijan’s Independence Day in Lachin and expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended during the recent trilateral summit.

The premier also thanked Azerbaijan for its consistent support during Pakistan’s recent tensions with India and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to further deepening its brotherly ties with Baku.

In a separate call, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif contacted his Malaysian counterpart, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The two leaders exchanged Eid greetings and prayed for the unity and prosperity of the Muslim world, as well as peace and justice for the oppressed Palestinians.

PM Shehbaz expressed appreciation for Malaysia’s balanced and principled stance during the recent escalation with India, adding that Pakistan desires peace and stability in South Asia.

“Pakistan accepted the ceasefire mediated by the United States and other friendly countries in the broader interest of regional peace,” said the prime minister. “However, timely and decisive action was inevitable in response to India's military provocations. We are ready for meaningful dialogue on all outstanding issues, including Kashmir.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also held a telephonic conversation with President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan. The two leaders exchanged Eid-ul-Adha greetings and expressed mutual satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral ties. PM Shehbaz appreciated Tajikistan’s balanced position during the Pakistan-India tension and thanked the Tajik government for its warm hospitality during his recent visit to Dushanbe.

He also congratulated President Rahmon on the successful organization of the International Conference on Glacier Protection and reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding commitment to promoting peace and security in the region. The Prime Minister once again invited the Tajik leader to pay an official visit to Pakistan soon.

– Contact with Egypt’s president –

PM Shehbaz extended Eid greetings to Egypt’s President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi and appreciated Egypt’s constructive role in Pakistan-India tensions.

Both leaders exchanged views on the situation in Gaza and the broader Middle East.

The Prime Minister, recalling his visit to Egypt during last year’s D-8 conference, expressed a desire to increase cooperation in trade, investment, and health sectors, while President al-Sisi acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts for peace in South Asia.

– Contact with Kuwait –

The prime minister held talks with Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah al-Khalid al-Hamad al-Mubarak al-Sabah and thanked Kuwait for visa facilitation for Pakistani citizens.

The Kuwaiti Crown Prince accepted an invitation to visit Pakistan and emphasised enhancing bilateral trade and investment.

– Contact with Bahrain’s king –

PM Shehbaz also conveyed Eid greetings to King of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad bin Isa bin Salman al Khalifa.