Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Tehran on Monday for a two-day visit as part of a broader four-nation diplomatic tour that also includes Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan. The tour aims to express gratitude to regional partners for their support during recent tensions between Pakistan and India, and to strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation.
Upon arrival at Mehrabad Airport, PM Shehbaz was warmly welcomed by Iranian officials, including Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and ambassadors from both countries, followed by a ceremonial guard of honor at Sa’dabad Palace, where he met with Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian.
During a joint press conference with President Pezeshkian, PM Shehbaz expressed deep appreciation for Iran’s support during the recent military escalation with India and reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran’s peaceful nuclear program. “We stand with our Iranian brothers and reaffirm our support for Iran’s peaceful nuclear programme,” he stated.
Highlighting the historical and cultural bonds shared between the two countries, Shehbaz described Iran as his “second home” and emphasized the commitment to deepen cooperation across various sectors, including trade, investment, and security. Both leaders agreed on the importance of enhanced collaboration for regional stability and economic growth.
PM Shehbaz also praised Iranian diplomats for their active engagement during the recent conflict, noting constructive talks with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the readiness of Iranian leadership to mediate, although India declined the offer. “My dear brother, I appreciate your concern and desire for this crisis to end before it escalates further,” Shehbaz said, addressing President Pezeshkian.
On the issue of Pakistan-India relations, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s willingness to engage in dialogue to resolve outstanding disputes, including Kashmir, water sharing, trade, and counter-terrorism. “We want peace and will work for peace in the region through talks at the table,” he asserted, referencing United Nations resolutions and past commitments for a plebiscite in Kashmir.
However, he warned that Pakistan would defend its territory firmly if India chose aggression again: “If they accept my offer of peace, we will show our sincerity. But if they remain aggressors, we will respond with full strength.”
The Iranian President welcomed the recent ceasefire between Pakistan and India and called on both countries to continue resolving their differences through dialogue. He also condemned the violence in Gaza and criticized the silence of Western nations on the humanitarian crisis there, calling their stance “highly reprehensible.” Both Iran and Pakistan, as members of the OIC, condemned the atrocities in Gaza.
In addition to bilateral talks, PM Shehbaz is scheduled to meet Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei to discuss key regional and bilateral issues.
The visit follows Shehbaz’s two-day official trip to Turkey, where he thanked President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Turkish people for their unwavering support during recent tensions with India. The Prime Minister lauded Turkey’s principled stance and goodwill, calling it a “source of great comfort and strength” for Pakistan.
The delegation accompanying PM Shehbaz includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Syed Tariq Fatemi.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister highlighted the potential to increase bilateral trade with Iran to $10 billion and discussed ongoing efforts toward a free trade agreement. He emphasized the importance of economic collaboration between Pakistan’s Balochistan province and Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan region, noting that such cooperation could also aid counter-terrorism efforts.
On broader regional matters, Shehbaz expressed hope that ongoing Iran-US talks would foster diplomacy and peace, commending Iran’s leadership in promoting stability.
