ISLAMABAD: Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan for a high-profile one-day state visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, signaling a notable warming of bilateral ties. The visit follows Islamabad’s crucial diplomatic role in mediating peace talks between Tehran and Washington, which recently led to the signing of the landmark Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding in Switzerland.
Speaking outside Parliament House, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif highlighted the immense economic and trade potential between the neighboring nations. He emphasized that importing oil and reviving the long-stalled Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline would provide affordable, land-routed goods to consumers on both sides of the border. Asif noted that enhanced cross-border commerce would directly foster peace and economic development in Balochistan by creating sustainable local opportunities.
The 2009 gas pipeline agreement, which outlines a 25-year supply plan of one billion cubic feet of natural gas per day to Pakistan, has taken center stage once again. While international sanctions previously stalled Pakistan’s portion of the project, potential sanctions relief stemming from the ongoing US-Iran peace negotiations offers fresh momentum to permanently address Pakistan’s long-term energy crisis.
