BISHKEK, 31 August 2026 (Nosheen): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has underscored the need to build upon the understandings reached under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), describing them as the only viable pathway towards achieving lasting peace in the region. The prime minister made these remarks during a meeting with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek on Monday, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State meeting in the Kyrgyz Republic. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasised the importance of exercising restraint and maintaining sustained diplomatic engagement to achieve durable peace and stability in the region. He stressed that continued dialogue and implementation of the understandings reached under the Islamabad MoU were essential for reducing tensions and promoting regional peace and stability. The meeting provided an opportunity for the two leaders to exchange views on regional developments and reaffirm their commitment to pursuing diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace.