PM Shehbaz Extends Eid Greetings, Thanks Muslim Leaders for Support

As Muslims around the world celebrated Eid ul Adha, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reached out to leaders across the Islamic world in separate phone calls on Saturday, offering heartfelt Eid greetings and expressing deep appreciation for their support during the recent Pakistan-India crisis. These conversations also reinforced Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, economic cooperation, and solidarity with oppressed nations like Palestine.

Stronger Ties with Qatar, Appreciation for Crisis Diplomacy

In a significant call, PM Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and conveyed Eid greetings and warm wishes to the Qatari people. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the premier thanked the Amir for his “proactive diplomacy” during the recent escalation between Pakistan and India.

He particularly highlighted the importance of the Amir’s timely telephone call at the height of tensions and also appreciated the constructive role played by both the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. PM Shehbaz credited Qatar’s intervention as crucial in helping stabilize the situation, calling it a valuable gesture of brotherhood and friendship.

Both leaders discussed ways to further deepen bilateral ties, especially in trade and investment, and agreed to stay in regular contact. The Qatari Amir, in response, reciprocated the Eid greetings and expressed his own best wishes for the people of Pakistan. The two leaders also expressed eagerness to meet in person soon to continue their dialogue.

Malaysia, Tajikistan Stand for Peace and Dialogue

Prime Minister Shehbaz also held a telephonic conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in sectors such as economy, culture, and investment.

The two leaders also prayed for peace in Gaza, underlining the urgent need to protect innocent civilians and uphold humanitarian principles.

During the call, PM Shehbaz praised Malaysia for its balanced and principled stance during the Pakistan-India standoff. He emphasized that Pakistan had no choice but to respond to Indian aggression but was quick to accept a US-brokered ceasefire, demonstrating its commitment to regional peace. He reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to engage in dialogue with India on all key issues, including Jammu and Kashmir.

In a similar call with Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon, PM Shehbaz once again stressed Pakistan’s consistent efforts for peace and security in South Asia. He expressed gratitude to Tajikistan for calling for dialogue and de-escalation during the crisis. President Rahmon, in turn, praised Pakistan’s diplomatic approach and exchanged warm Eid greetings with the premier.

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Reaffirming Brotherhood with Azerbaijan

In another important diplomatic interaction, PM Shehbaz Sharif spoke to President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, extending his Eid greetings to the president, his family, and the Azerbaijani people. He thanked President Aliyev for the warm hospitality extended during his recent visit to Lachin for Azerbaijan’s Independence Day celebrations and the Pakistan-Azerbaijan-Turkey trilateral summit.

The Pakistani leader expressed deep appreciation for Azerbaijan’s strong support during the crisis with India, calling it a clear reflection of the deep-rooted bonds between both nations.

Both leaders reaffirmed their shared vision to strengthen bilateral cooperation, with upcoming meetings planned at the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit in Azerbaijan this July, as well as President Aliyev’s visit to Islamabad later this year.

PM Shehbaz’s outreach to Muslim leaders on Eid ul Adha not only highlighted the spirit of unity and goodwill but also underscored Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for peace, regional stability, and economic collaboration. By personally thanking allies who supported Pakistan in difficult times, the Prime Minister reinforced Pakistan’s global relationships based on mutual respect and shared values.