Tehran, May 26, 2025 – The Europe Today: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his deep gratitude to the Islamic Republic of Iran for its steadfast support during the recent escalation between Pakistan and India. Speaking at a joint press conference with Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran on Monday, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s backing of Iran’s peaceful nuclear programme and pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.
“We stand with our Iranian brothers and reaffirm our support for Iran’s peaceful nuclear programme,” said Prime Minister Shehbaz, describing Iran as his “second home.” He highlighted the enduring cultural and historical bonds between Pakistan and Iran and stressed the mutual resolve to further enhance these ties.
“Pakistan and Iran share deep-rooted, cultural, and historical ties. We have made the decision to strengthen these relations even further through cooperation in diverse sectors,” the Prime Minister stated.
The two leaders held comprehensive discussions covering regional peace and stability, trade, energy, and cultural cooperation. Prime Minister Shehbaz noted the constructive nature of the talks and appreciated Iran’s concern and diplomatic engagement during the recent India-Pakistan tensions.
“Iranian diplomats remained in close contact with Pakistan and demonstrated their concern for our nation’s security,” the Prime Minister said.
On the matter of recent hostilities with India, Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized that Pakistan had exercised restraint but responded decisively when necessary. “Pakistan seeks peace and desires to resolve issues through dialogue. We are committed to a resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with United Nations resolutions,” he said. He reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to engage in serious dialogue with India on issues including peace, water rights, trade, and counterterrorism, while warning, “If India resorts to aggression again, we will defend our country with full strength.”
The Prime Minister also voiced strong solidarity with the Palestinian people amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, condemning the Israeli military actions that have claimed more than 54,000 lives. “The international community must now act and ensure a ceasefire in Gaza,” he urged.
Iranian President Calls for Dialogue Between Pakistan and India
President Masoud Pezeshkian welcomed the recent ceasefire between Pakistan and India and urged both countries to seek peaceful solutions through dialogue. “The relations between Pakistan and Iran are deep and historic,” he said. “We call on both countries to engage in dialogue and find solutions to their disputes.”
He also strongly condemned the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating, “Iran and Pakistan, as members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), collectively condemn the atrocities in Gaza.” President Pezeshkian criticized the silence of several Western countries in the face of the ongoing violence, calling their inaction “highly reprehensible.”
President Pezeshkian concluded his remarks by thanking Prime Minister Shehbaz and his delegation for their visit and reaffirming Iran’s commitment to regional peace.
High-Level Diplomatic Engagement
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Tehran on Monday following the conclusion of his two-day official visit to Türkiye. His visit to Iran is part of a six-day regional diplomatic tour encompassing Türkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan, aimed at strengthening regional partnerships and expressing gratitude to allies in the wake of recent tensions with India.
Upon arrival at Mehrabad Airport, the Prime Minister and his delegation were warmly received by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghaddam, Pakistani Ambassador to Iran Mudassar Tipu, and senior diplomatic officials. A ceremonial salute was presented by a contingent of the Iranian Army.
The official welcome ceremony was held at Sa’dabad Palace, where Prime Minister Shehbaz was received by President Pezeshkian and greeted with a guard of honour.
The Pakistani delegation includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi.
Pakistan-Iran Trade and Regional Cooperation
Ahead of his visit, in an interview with the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed optimism about the growing economic partnership between Pakistan and Iran. He revealed that bilateral trade had significantly increased in recent years and shared his aspiration to raise the volume to $10 billion.
“We want to raise it to $10 billion soon, but the potential is even greater. We are discussing a free trade agreement (FTA), and I believe trade will expand significantly over the next decade,” he said.
Highlighting the shared 900-kilometre border, the Prime Minister emphasized the strategic significance of economic ties between Pakistan’s Balochistan and Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan provinces. He noted that joint development initiatives in these regions would not only boost economic growth but also contribute to counter-terrorism efforts. Both sides have signed memoranda of understanding to initiate development projects in border areas.
Commitment to Regional Stability and Muslim Unity
Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to close cooperation with Iran on issues affecting the Muslim Ummah and regional peace. He reiterated that sustainable peace in South Asia and the Middle East requires just and peaceful resolutions to the Kashmir and Palestine issues.
He also expressed hope that ongoing dialogue between Iran and the United States would help avert further conflict in the region and promote stability. Commending Iran’s leadership for its diplomatic engagement, he extended best wishes for continued success in the negotiations.
In closing, the Prime Minister conveyed his gratitude to President Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani for their diplomatic support and active role in regional peace-building efforts.
