Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Sunday visited the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad and "made special prayers for the security of Pakistan and the unity and solidarity of the Muslim Ummah." According to an official statement, the foreign minister is in Iran as part of Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to diffuse tensions in the Middle East.

On his arrival, in Mashhad Governor Mashhad, Ali Reza Razm Hosseini warmly welcomed him, the statement said. The foreign minister was quoted as saying that it is an honour for him to begin his visit by visiting this holy site. He thanked Governor Mashhad for making "best arrangements for three million Pakistani pilgrims who visit the place annually."

"On the direction of Prime Minister Imran Khan, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will be embarking on visits to Iran and Saudi Arabia. While in Tehran, the Foreign Minister will meet Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and exchange views on the evolving situation in the Middle East/Gulf region. He will visit Riyadh on 13 January to hold talks with Saudi Foreign Minister H H Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and consult on the issues of regional peace and stability.

The recent developments seriously endanger peace and security in an already volatile region and underscore the need for immediate and collective efforts for a peaceful resolution.

During these visits, the Foreign Minister will share Pakistan's perspective on the current situation, stress the imperative of avoiding any conflict, underscore the importance of defusing tensions, and stress the need for finding a diplomatic way forward.

The Foreign Minister will convey Pakistan's readiness to support all efforts that facilitate resolution of differences and disputes through political and diplomatic means," according to a curtain raiser issued by Foreign Office earlier on Saturday.