An awkward encounter unfolded during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s discussion with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Doha when the Iranian head of state unintentionally bypassed Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, while acknowledging the Pakistani representatives.
The incident transpired on the fringes of the urgent Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha. Pakistan’s contingent comprised Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.
As President Pezeshkian greeted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and offered handshakes to the group, he mistakenly proceeded past the Army Chief without recognizing him. After being quietly notified by the Iranian Foreign Minister, the President promptly returned, issued an apology with a grin, and warmly hugged the Pakistani Army Chief multiple times, fostering a cordial atmosphere.
During the dialogue, Prime Minister Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s vehement denunciation of Israel’s attack on Qatar on September 9. Both dignitaries voiced support for Qatar and stressed the immediate requirement for cohesion within the Muslim community against Israeli hostilities. The Prime Minister noted that the Doha Arab-Islamic Summit had conveyed a distinct and unified message from the Muslim community that Israel’s hostility would not be condoned any further.
Remembering President Pezeshkian’s current trip to Pakistan, Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s wish to broaden bilateral connections with Iran across all sectors of shared concern. He also conveyed profound admiration and warm regards for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In reply, President Pezeshkian valued Pakistan’s resolute position on the Palestinian matter and communicated his dedication to collaborate with Prime Minister Sharif to boost Pakistan-Iran partnerships. The two parties consented to sustain close communication given the swiftly changing regional circumstances.