Lahore: Former Pakistani Prime Minister and head of the country's ruling party faction, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, emphasized the need for resolving regional tensions through peaceful means during a meeting on Wednesday.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Sharif, who leads the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), made these remarks while meeting with Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghaddam. The meeting took place in Lahore, the capital of Punjab province, and saw the attendance of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Iran's Consul General in Lahore, Mehran Movahedfar.

Sharif highlighted that dialogue should always remain open and disputes should be resolved through peaceful channels. He expressed Pakistan's deep respect for the Islamic Republic and acknowledged Iran's consistent resilience in facing challenges.

These statements were made against the backdrop of rising tensions between Iran and the United States, with US President Donald Trump initiating a significant military buildup in the region and threatening military action in the absence of a nuclear deal.

During the Lahore meeting, the two parties discussed developments in bilateral relations, regional issues, and explored ways to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, and cultural fields. Ambassador Amiri Moghaddam expressed gratitude for Nawaz Sharif's efforts in fostering Iran-Pakistan relations and promoting unity within the Islamic community, likening the ties between the two nations to 'two souls in one body.'