King Charles has praised Pakistan’s efforts to help ease tensions between the United States and Iran, saying he appreciated the country’s role in trying to promote peace and stability.
The remarks came during a meeting with the Pakistan cricket team at Clarence House in London. Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK Tipu Usman and British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott were also present.
During the meeting, Marriott briefed King Charles III about Naqvi’s diplomatic efforts to support mediation between Iran and the United States. The King asked about the latest developments and expressed surprise that the conflict had continued. He also commended Pakistan’s role in the ongoing efforts.
Naqvi later described the mediation process as “one step forward and one step back” and called his meeting with the King very productive.
The conversation also focused on cricket, with Pakistan captain Babar Azam introducing the players individually to the monarch. Charles asked about their fitness, conditions in England, the weather and their performance during the Test series.
The King also showed interest in Pakistan’s cricket achievements. He was told about fast bowler Mohammad Abbas, who claimed five wickets at Lord’s and earned a place on the famous honours board. He also heard about Saud Shakeel’s 97-run innings, which narrowly missed a century.
Charles joked with off-spinner Sajid Khan about his distinctive curly moustache and received a signed cricket bat from Babar Azam.
The monarch also reflected on Pakistan’s upcoming 80th anniversary in 2027. Since he was born in 1948, Charles joked that he was almost the same age as Pakistan.
Charles, who last visited Pakistan in 2006, expressed his hope of returning, saying he wanted to see many more places in the country before he became too old to travel.
