ISLAMABAD, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday briefed Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Islamabad's ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at creating a conducive environment for peace talks amid escalating regional hostilities, said a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office.

During a telephone conversation lasting over an hour, the two leaders held extensive discussions on the evolving situation in the Middle East and ongoing efforts to restore peace, according to the office. ■