Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Uzbekistan urge restraint, diplomacy over Middle East tensions

Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, and Uzbekistan – (Web Desk) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with leaders from Azerbaijan, Malaysia, and Uzbekistan on Friday. He asked for calm and urged a peaceful way to reduce rising tensions in the Middle East.

He had separate phone calls with Ilham Aliyev, Anwar Ibrahim, and Shavkat Mirziyoyev. During the talks, they shared Eid ul Fitr greetings and spoke about the changing situation in the Middle East.

While talking with President Aliyev, the prime minister sent warm Eid wishes to the people and leadership of Azerbaijan. Aliyev also shared his good wishes in return.

Islamabad: 20 February 2026.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation today with H.E. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to exchange greetings on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

During their warm and cordial conversation,… pic.twitter.com/fiV5lqxi0r

— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) March 20, 2026

Both leaders prayed for unity within the Muslim Ummah and voiced concern over ongoing hostilities in Iran and the Gulf region, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.

PM Shehbaz condemned attacks targeting Azerbaijan and expressed Pakistan’s solidarity with its people. The two sides called for immediate de-escalation and emphasised dialogue and diplomacy to resolve outstanding issues.

Spoke with my dear brother President Ilham Aliyev to exchange warm Eid-ul-Fitr greetings and best wishes for the people of Azerbaijan. Grateful for his equally warm Eid greetings and good wishes for the people of Pakistan.

I reiterated my strong condemnation of the attacks…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) March 20, 2026

Separately, in a conversation with Malaysian PM Ibrahim, both leaders exchanged Eid greetings and underscored the need for peace and harmony across the Ummah.

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They agreed on the urgency of de-escalation in the Middle East and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring stability.

Lahore: March 20, 2026

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, H.E. Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, this afternoon.

During their warm conversation, the Prime Minister felicitated the Malaysian Prime Minister, the… pic.twitter.com/uyiap0OKcV

— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) March 20, 2026

The two sides also expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Malaysia relations and pledged to further deepen cooperation.

Spoke with my brother Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim this afternoon to convey warm Eid-ul-Fitr greetings to him, the Government, and the people of Malaysia.

We discussed the evolving situation in Iran and the Gulf region, and agreed on the urgent need for de-escalation…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) March 20, 2026

In his call with President Mirziyoyev, the prime minister extended Eid greetings, which were warmly returned.

They discussed regional tensions, calling for restraint and reiterating that dialogue and diplomacy remain essential for resolving conflicts.

The two leaders also reviewed bilateral ties, expressing satisfaction over the outcomes of the Uzbek president’s recent visit to Pakistan and stressing the importance of timely follow-up on key decisions.

Lahore: 20 March 2026.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif spoke with the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, on telephone today, to exchange greetings on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

During their most cordial conversation, the Prime… pic.twitter.com/zaO4V7M5uj

— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) March 20, 2026

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PM Shehbaz had also spoken with Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Jordanian King Abdullah II a day ago, with discussions focusing on the Middle East situation and the need for de-escalation.