Tehran: Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the violation of Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity earlier this year triggered a major regional crisis, stressing that diplomacy remains the only sustainable way to resolve the conflict. Addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Sharif outlined Pakistan's positions on regional developments, implementation of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding to end the conflict, the situation in Palestine, developments in South Asia and Afghanistan, and prospects for expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation under the SCO framework.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Sharif highlighted that Iran, as an SCO member, was attacked earlier this year, resulting in a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity and creating a major crisis in the region. The prime minister noted that the resulting disruption of transportation routes has affected the global economy and livelihoods, with Pakistan and many other countries suffering negative consequences from the regional instability.

Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's strong commitment to peace, saying Islamabad would continue to play a sincere role in mediation and facilitation efforts aimed at resolving disputes. He emphasized that diplomacy was the only durable solution to the crisis, adding that implementation of the Islamabad understanding would make a significant contribution to restoring peace and stability.

Addressing the trilateral defense pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, Sharif stated that the agreement was inherently defensive and directed against no country. He stressed that it had not been designed for confrontation or division.

Sharif also voiced concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank, calling for an end to the conflict against Palestinians. He urged the international community to uphold its commitments to support the Palestinian people and help address the humanitarian crisis.