In yet another display of diplomatic double standards, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif used a condolence call to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made amid the recent tragic Shahid Rajaee port explosion to rake up an anti-India agenda. A massive explosion in southern Iran's Bandar Abbas Shahid Rajaee port killed five and left more than 700 others injured on Saturday, Iranian state media said. The explosion, suspected to have started after a fire erupted at a depot storing hazardous chemicals, saw huge fires raging even several hours after the explosion.

Shehbaz Sharif's 'Condolence' Call Turns Political

After the disaster, Shehbaz Sharif addressed Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, sending solidarity and praying for the dead. But the Pakistan PM soon turned to political agendas. PM Sharif shared his statement in X, "I spoke to my brother, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran, this evening, to express my deep shock at the tragic explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port, Bandar Abbas. Expressed solidarity with Iran on the loss of precious lives and prayed for the early recovery of the injured."

"We also exchanged views on the regional situation. Reaffirmed Pakistan's strong desire for peace in the region and reiterated our condemnation of terrorism in all forms and manifestations. Recalled that Pakistan was itself one of the biggest victims of terrorism. Denounced India’s use of water as a weapon, which was unacceptable to Pakistan. Reiterated Pakistan’s resolute and unwavering support for the people of IIOJK and their right to self-determination," He added. Such remarks, completely out of context during a humanitarian crisis, showcased Pakistan’s habitual tendency to politicize global events to suit its agenda, exposing its diplomatic double standards. However, Islamabad has not yet acted in any tangible fashion after the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, where 26 individuals were killed.

This is not the first time that Pakistan has sought to politicize a human tragedy. Whether in the wake of natural disasters, international gatherings, or diplomatic missions, Islamabad habitually employs such occasions to promote its Kashmir agenda, frequently facing criticism from the international community for insensitivity and opportunism. By bringing up the Kashmir issue in a condolence discussion aimed at lamenting Iranian lives, Shehbaz Sharif again exposed Pakistan's misplaced diplomatic priorities, prioritising political propaganda over real human solidarity.

Iran Offers To Mediate Between India And Pakistan

Even though it experienced its tragedy, Iran extended diplomatic help to ease tensions between India and Pakistan. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi extended Tehran's willingness to mediate on Friday, calling New Delhi and Islamabad "brotherly neighbours" and offering to create better understanding in these difficult times.

Also read: Pahalgam Terror Attack: Pakistan Ready For ‘Transparent, Neutral Investigation’, Says PM Shehbaz Sharif