Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday warned that the fragile ceasefire in the Middle East was at risk of collapse, urging all sides to step back from the brink and let diplomacy run its course.

In a statement on X, PM Shehbaz said the latest surge in violence underscored the devastating consequences that could follow if hostilities intensified.

“As we work earnestly and painstakingly, together with our brothers and partners, to find a peaceful diplomatic solution to the conflict, and especially when the final objective is just about to be achieved, we sincerely urge all sides to exercise restraint and give peace a little more chance,” he said.

Pakistan and its regional partners remained committed to a diplomatic resolution, he added, urging all parties to choose dialogue over confrontation.

“Let us continue to remain on the path of peace and diplomacy, which have bright prospects of success, instead of violence and destruction,” he said.

The statement follows the first exchange of fire between Iran and Israel since the Pakistan-brokered ceasefire took hold in April, despite calls for restraint from US President Donald Trump.

The flare-up was triggered after Israel struck Beirut’s southern suburbs on Saturday, prompting Iranian retaliation. Israel carried out the Beirut strike despite a US-announced truce plan the previous week.

Lebanon’s ceasefire has remained fragile, with hostilities continuing amid Israeli military operations, displacement orders and the seizure of the historic Beaufort Castle.

Later on Monday, Iran and Israel said they had halted attacks on each other ​following an appeal from Trump that they immediately “stop ‘shooting’”, though Tehran said it would resume strikes if Israel continued to hit Hezbollah in Lebanon.