Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to engage in dialogue with India to promote peace and stability in South Asia.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, the premier stressed that Pakistan seeks harmony in the region and is prepared to resolve all outstanding disputes, including the Kashmir issue.
“We want peace and are ready for dialogue to address all disputes, including Kashmir,” said PM Shehbaz during the presser in Tehran, the second stop in his four-nation diplomatic tour. The tour aims to thank countries that supported Pakistan during its recent conflict with India.
After concluding his visit to Turkiye, Prime Minister Shehbaz arrived in Tehran, where he was received at Mehrabad Airport by Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and the country’s ambassador to Pakistan. A ceremonial guard of honour was presented by the Iranian armed forces.
Accompanying the prime minister is a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal General Asim Munir, Federal Ministers Mohsin Naqvi and Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi.
During his address, PM Shehbaz emphasized Pakistan’s peaceful intentions but issued a clear warning: any act of aggression would be met with a resolute and effective response. He praised the Pakistani armed forces for their bravery and rapid response during the recent hostilities with India, calling their conduct “exemplary.”
He also expressed gratitude to President Pezeshkian for Iran’s support, noting the enduring friendship and cultural ties between the two nations. “I appreciate the sincere sentiments of President Pezeshkian and reaffirm our commitment to deepening Pakistan-Iran relations,” he stated.
Highlighting the areas discussed during bilateral talks, PM Shehbaz said both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in sectors such as trade, investment, and regional connectivity. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.
“There was complete agreement that the two brotherly nations must deepen collaboration across economic and strategic fronts,” the prime minister said.
President Pezeshkian, in turn, welcomed the Pakistani delegation, describing Pakistan as an important neighbour with whom Iran shares centuries-old cultural and civilizational bonds. He emphasized the need for the two countries to secure their borders against terrorism and criminal activity, asserting that peace in Pakistan directly benefits Iran.
“Iran welcomes the ceasefire between Pakistan and India,” said President Pezeshkian. “We believe dialogue is essential to achieving long-term peace and stability in the region.”
He further noted that both countries share similar views on regional and international matters, including at platforms like the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and called for continued diplomatic engagement with neighbouring and global partners to maintain security in South Asia.
PM Shehbaz Meets Iran’s Supreme Leader, Discusses Regional Peace and Strategic Ties
During his official visit to Tehran, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid a courtesy call on Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei, to discuss matters of bilateral interest and regional dynamics.
The prime minister was accompanied by Field Marshal General Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and federal ministers Mohsin Naqvi and Attaullah Tarar.
In the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz conveyed profound respect to the Supreme Leader, describing him as a revered figure in the Muslim world whose leadership continues to inspire the broader Ummah. He also expressed gratitude for Iran’s steadfast support during Pakistan’s recent conflict with India, highlighting New Delhi’s hegemonic and revisionist posture.
The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s consistent desire for regional peace, noting that stability was essential for economic progress and development across South Asia and the Middle East. He briefed the Supreme Leader on Pakistan’s efforts to elevate ties with Iran and reiterated his government’s commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation amid evolving geopolitical challenges.
PM Shehbaz also commended Iran’s leadership for its prudent approach in nuclear negotiations with the United States, expressing hope for a constructive outcome that would contribute to regional stability.
In response, Ayatollah Khamenei appreciated Prime Minister Shehbaz’s vision for regional peace and his efforts to enhance bilateral relations. He praised the premier’s personal dedication to fostering stronger Pakistan-Iran ties and offered prayers for Pakistan’s continued prosperity and development.
The prime minister also thanked the Supreme Leader for his admiration of Allama Iqbal, Pakistan’s national poet and a symbol of unity in the Muslim world, and extended a heartfelt invitation for the Supreme Leader to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.
