Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on all parties involved in the latest Middle East tensions to exercise restraint and prioritise diplomacy, warning that renewed violence could undermine ongoing efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution.

In a statement shared on X, the premier said the recent escalation highlighted the risks associated with a fragile ceasefire and stressed that diplomatic efforts were making important progress, with the final objective of the US-Iran talks reportedly close to being achieved.He urged all stakeholders to remain committed to peace and avoid actions that could lead to further destruction and instability.His remarks came after Iran and Israel exchanged attacks for the first time since a ceasefire took effect around two months earlier.According to reports, Iran launched missiles towards Israeli territory in response to Israeli strikes linked to Hezbollah positions near Beirut.Israel subsequently targeted a petrochemical facility in southwestern Iran, claiming it was involved in ballistic missile production.Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it responded by targeting a similar facility in Haifa.

Despite the escalation, both Iran and Israel later indicated that attacks had ceased following an appeal from US President Donald Trump, who publicly urged both sides to stop hostilities.However, Tehran warned that it could resume military action if Israeli strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon continued.The developments also affected global markets.

Oil prices initially surged by as much as 5% amid fears of a wider regional conflict before easing after Iran announced that its first wave of strikes had concluded.The US dollar also retreated after reaching its highest level in nearly two months.Pakistan continues to support diplomatic engagement and peaceful dialogue as a means of reducing tensions in the region.