Islamabad: Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of Lebanon on Thursday.

The Prime Minister strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing aggression against Lebanon and expressed condolences over the loss of thousands of precious lives in these hostilities.

The Prime Minister said that Pakistan was engaged in sincere efforts for regional peace and it was in this spirit that the peace talks between Iran and the U.S. were being convened.

While thanking Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his peace efforts, the Prime Minister of Lebanon sought Pakistan’s support for bringing an immediate end to the attacks targeting Lebanon and its people. Both leaders agreed to remain in contact.

Meanwhile PM Shehbaz Sharif in a statement issued on X wrote ‘I spoke with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam of Lebanon, this evening.

I strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing aggression against Lebanon and offered condolences over the loss of thousands of precious lives in Lebanon as a result of these hostilities. I reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advance peace efforts, including facilitating dialogue through the upcoming Iran-U.S. talks in Islamabad. Grateful to Prime Minister Nawaf Salam who expressed his appreciation for Pakistan’s peace efforts and underscored the need for our continued support in securing an immediate end to the attacks targeting Lebanon and its people’.

Meanwhile Federal Chancellor of Austria, Christian Stocker, held a most warm telephone conversation with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday.

While fondly recalling their recent meeting during his official visit to Vienna in February this year, the Prime Minister appreciated the Austrian Chancellor’s strong message of endorsement and support for Pakistan’s efforts that have led to the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, as well as ensuring resumption of negotiations between the two sides.

Both leaders stressed upon the importance of ensuring that the ceasefire be upheld by all sides, thereby strengthening the prospects of successful negotiations, that could bring lasting peace and stability to the region and beyond.