Pakistan Commends Restraint in West Asia Conflict Amidst Ongoing Israeli Strikes in Lebanon

Kathmandu. Pakistan on Thursday commended the 'restraint' shown by relevant parties to prevent a war in West Asia. Islamabad condemned the ongoing Israeli attacks in Lebanon as unfortunate, especially as it prepares to host expected talks between Iran and the United States.

Both Washington and Tehran have confirmed their participation in peace talks mediated by Pakistan. The Prime Minister's Office issued a statement noting that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir on Thursday to praise the restraint exercised by all sides.

The statement said, "They expressed satisfaction with the de-escalation achieved so far." U.S. President Donald Trump had agreed to a two-week ceasefire for talks between American and Iranian negotiators, but Washington's ally, Israel, has continued its attacks in Lebanon.

Iran has maintained that a Lebanon ceasefire is a crucial component of the process and claims that Israeli attacks violate the truce. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh stated on Thursday that Iran is preparing to respond to the ceasefire violations.

According to Iran's Tasnim News Agency, Khatibzadeh told ITV News that such action had been delayed due to 'Pakistan's intervention.' The Pakistani Prime Minister spoke with his Lebanese counterpart, Nawaf Salam, on Thursday and strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon.

Pakistani officials have declared a public holiday in the capital region for Thursday and Friday, a significant precautionary measure often taken ahead of events involving high-ranking diplomats.

"Essential services, including police, hospitals, and electricity and gas utilities, will remain operational during the holiday," the Deputy Commissioner's office stated in a notice.

The White House announced that Vice President JD Vance will lead the U.S. delegation for talks on the Middle East conflict in Islamabad this weekend. The Iranian ambassador to Pakistan had stated on social media that an Iranian delegation would arrive in Islamabad on Thursday night.

Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam said in a post on X on Thursday morning, "An Iranian delegation will arrive in Islamabad tonight for serious talks based on the 10-point proposal offered by Iran." The post was deleted shortly after.

An official from the Iranian embassy in Islamabad told AFP, "The post was removed due to certain issues. Whether the delegation is expected or not has not been made public at this time."

When asked further, he said, "We should not have sent it at that time."