Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on all parties involved in the Middle East conflict to exercise restraint and prioritise diplomacy following a fresh exchange of attacks between Iran and Israel.

In a statement shared on X, the prime minister warned that the recent rise in violence highlights the dangers of an unstable ceasefire and the serious consequences that further escalation could bring to the region.He urged all sides to give peace another opportunity, stressing that efforts towards a diplomatic settlement were close to achieving progress.PM Shehbaz said Pakistan was actively working with regional partners and friendly countries to help find a peaceful solution to the conflict.He emphasised that dialogue and diplomacy offer a more promising path than continued military action and destruction.The appeal came after Israel and Iran exchanged attacks for the first time since a ceasefire took effect on April 8.According to the report, the latest confrontation began after Iran targeted Israel in response to an Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs.The renewed violence has raised concerns that the already fragile truce could weaken further.

The wider conflict intensified after US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran in February triggered Iranian retaliation against Israel and locations hosting American military facilities.

Although a temporary ceasefire between Washington and Tehran was achieved through Pakistan-led mediation efforts, several incidents have continued to test the agreement.

Negotiations between the United States and Iran remain stalled over key issues, including Iran’s uranium enrichment programme, sanctions relief, the future of the Strait of Hormuz, and regional security arrangements.

In an effort to support diplomatic progress, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently travelled to Tehran carrying a message from Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir to Iran’s leadership.