Shehbaz Sharif Expresses Concern Over Iran-Israel Conflict, Calls for Immediate Ceasefire
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday described the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel as highly alarming, warning that it threatens not only regional stability but global peace as well.
Addressing a cabinet meeting broadcast on national television, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong solidarity with Iran and its people in the face of Israeli attacks. He urged the international community to work swiftly toward securing an immediate ceasefire to end the ongoing violence.
PM Sharif condemned the Israeli aggression that has resulted in the loss of hundreds of Iranian lives and injuries to many others. “The global community must ensure a ceasefire,” he emphasized, expressing hope for lasting peace in the region.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister informed the cabinet about his recent conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in which he condemned the attacks and reiterated Pakistan’s support for Iran. He also spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss the evolving situation.
Regarding the situation in Gaza, PM Sharif described the scenes as heartbreaking, with over 50,000 innocent Palestinians having lost their lives. He questioned when the world’s conscience will awaken to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Developments
The Prime Minister shared that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar will represent Pakistan at the upcoming Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers’ meeting in Turkey on June 21-22, where the conflict will be a key topic.
Iranian Supreme Leader’s Response
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reiterated his country’s firm stance against external pressure. In a televised address, he stated that Iran “will stand firm against an imposed war, just as it will stand firm against an imposed peace.” Khamenei warned that any U.S. military intervention would lead to “irreparable consequences,” highlighting that Iranians do not respond well to threats.
Latest Updates on Iran-Israel Conflict
The conflict entered its sixth day on Wednesday, with both Iran and Israel launching fresh missile strikes. The Israeli military reported that two waves of Iranian missiles targeted Israel early Wednesday morning, with explosions heard over Tel Aviv.
In retaliation, Israel ordered residents in a southwestern area of Tehran to evacuate ahead of planned airstrikes on Iranian military sites. Iranian media confirmed attacks on a university linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in eastern Tehran and strikes near the Khojir ballistic missile facility, previously targeted by Israel last October.
