Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has lauded the growing strength of ties between Pakistan and Iran, stating that both countries have stood by each other in all circumstances and will continue to support one another on matters concerning the Muslim world.
In an exclusive interview with Iran’s official news agency IRNA ahead of his official visit to Tehran, the prime minister expressed gratitude for Iran’s diplomatic support during the recent escalation of tensions between Pakistan and India.
He also underscored the importance of enhanced regional cooperation and economic integration between Islamabad and Tehran.
“Iran and Pakistan share a strong bond and have consistently stood together in times of need. Our relationship today is far more robust and stronger than before,” the prime minister said.
Recalling his meetings with the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to him as a “visionary and farsighted leader.” “President Raisi was a man of great character. One of my best memories is hosting him in Pakistan shortly before his tragic death. We had committed to strengthening our bilateral ties, and I am glad to say we have made meaningful progress,” he said.
The premier is set to visit Iran at the invitation of newly-elected President Masoud Pezeshkian. He said the primary objective of the visit was to “thank Iran for its support and mediation offer during Pakistan’s conflict with India.” PM Sharif asserted that “India imposed war on Pakistan,” which was met with “a decisive but measured and well-calibrated response consistent with international humanitarian law.”
While India declined Tehran’s mediation, the premier expressed Pakistan’s appreciation for Iran’s sincere efforts to de-escalate tensions. “We are also thankful to President Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi for their commitment to regional peace. Iran’s role highlights its wisdom and diplomatic maturity,” he said.
Sharif praised the diplomatic skills of Araqchi, describing him as a statesman who “has handled complex geopolitical challenges with great statesmanship.” He also reiterated Pakistan’s strong opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza, saying, “Islamabad and Tehran stand united against the genocidal and catastrophic war in Gaza and will continue to champion the cause of the oppressed people.”
On the economic front, PM Sharif stressed that the destinies of Iran and Pakistan are “intertwined.” Highlighting the nearly 900-kilometre border shared between the two countries, he said both sides have signed several memoranda of understanding to enhance development, particularly in Pakistan’s Balochistan and Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan provinces.
“Our current trade volume stands at around $3 billion. We aim to take it to $10 billion in the next few years, and we are actively discussing a free trade agreement. Sustained long-term economic engagement is the way forward,” the prime minister noted.
Speaking on Iran’s nuclear programme, PM Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s support for Tehran’s peaceful nuclear ambitions and called for the revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). “We firmly believe that diplomacy and engagement are the only viable paths to peace. I have full faith in the Iranian leadership and hope the ongoing indirect talks with the United States will yield positive results,” he said.
The prime minister also touched on the long-standing issues of Kashmir and Palestine, terming them the “two unresolved tragedies of the Muslim world.” “Until the conflicts in Kashmir and Palestine are resolved in line with the aspirations of their people, there can be no lasting peace or justice in the region,” he stressed.
