Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif held separate telephone calls with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday, expressing concern over the escalating crisis in the Middle East.

In the call with President Prabowo, both leaders expressed deep concern over Iran’s attacks on Israel and subsequent attacks on other Gulf countries.

PM condemned the assaults and briefed the Indonesian leader on Pakistan’s diplomatic communications with Gulf states amid the crisis.

The two leaders agreed to urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint and called for resolving differences through dialogue and diplomacy.

PM also updated Indonesian President Prabowo on recent developments in Afghanistan, with both agreeing to maintain close contact in the coming days.

During the conversation with Malaysian PM, PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasised the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, as enshrined in the United Nations Charter and international law.

Both leaders urged an end to hostilities and agreed that peace and a swift return to normalcy could only be achieved through restraint and diplomatic engagement.

PM also briefed the Malaysian PM on Pakistan’s efforts to secure the country against terrorism and eradicate extremist elements in the region. The two leaders agreed to coordinate regularly on issues of mutual interest.