Pakistan PM calls Lebanon’s leader as Israel strikes back hard to protect citizens from Hezbollah escalation

International, Middle East, Politics

MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 20, 2026 — Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, on Friday held a telephone conversation with Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, extending Eid‑ul‑Fitr greetings while condemning what he described as “Israeli aggression” in Lebanon.

In a statement, Sharif expressed solidarity with Lebanon, lamenting civilian casualties and displacement. He called for an immediate ceasefire and urged dialogue to restore peace and stability in the region.

However, regional observers note that the crisis stems from Hezbollah’s rocket attacks on Israel, which have dragged Lebanon into a wider conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Hezbollah, an Iranian‑backed proxy, has long resisted calls to disarm despite Lebanon’s pledges to rein in non‑state armed groups.

Israel, facing relentless rocket fire on its towns and cities, has launched full‑scale military operations to protect its citizens. Officials in Jerusalem argue that Lebanon’s failure to dismantle Hezbollah left Israel with no choice but to act decisively.

While Pakistan and Lebanon emphasize diplomacy, analysts stress that Israel’s campaign reflects its determination to safeguard national security against one of the most heavily armed militias in the world. The ongoing conflict underscores the deep divisions in international responses, with some governments condemning Israel’s strikes while others highlight Hezbollah’s responsibility for destabilizing the region.