Pezeshkian reaffirms Iran’s acceptance of Islamabad MoU, says ready to take it forward 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in New York on Thursday on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, with both sides discussing efforts to advance the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and reduce tensions in the region.

PM Shehbaz said President Pezeshkian told him that the Islamabad MoU was “still fully acceptable” to Iran and that Tehran was “ready to take it forward”.

The prime minister said Pakistan’s leadership was united in its resolve to expedite peace efforts under the Islamabad MoU.

Earlier, the Prime Minister’s Office said Shehbaz stressed the importance of implementing the Islamabad MoU — a 14-point interim agreement signed between the US and Iran in June that provided a framework for ending the ongoing conflict.

Pakistan had also signed the agreement as a mediator.

Speaking to the media after his meeting with Pezeshkian, PM Shehbaz said the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab required joint efforts by friendly countries to reduce tensions.

“The current situation in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, and the provocative activities taking place there, require brotherly and friendly countries to work together to reduce tensions,” he said.

“For this purpose, today I met the Iranian president, had a detailed meeting with him, and told him that restoring peace to the region is the need of the hour, a very important need,” he added.

The prime minister said Pakistan would continue working for peace with Iran, describing it as a “brotherly” and neighbouring country, according to Dawn news.

“I told him that Pakistan’s leadership, whether military or political, will, God willing, work together and continue its efforts to bring peace to the region,” he said.

PM Shehbaz said Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s efforts and reaffirmed Iran’s acceptance of the Islamabad MoU.

“The Iranian president said the Islamabad MoU is still fully acceptable to us and they are ready to take it forward,” he added.

The premier said Pakistan would continue working with friendly and brotherly countries to help reduce tensions and promote peace in the region.

Pakistan, Iran reaffirm bilateral ties

The two leaders also reaffirmed their close and longstanding ties and stressed the need to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across areas of mutual interest.

They discussed the evolving regional situation, with PM Shehbaz expressing “deep concern over the prolonged conflict” and stressing the need for restraint, de-escalation and sustained diplomatic engagement to achieve lasting peace and stability.

“He also underscored the importance of implementing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to continue playing sincere and constructive role in support of regional peace and stability,” the PMO said.

President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s “principled diplomacy and concerted efforts for regional peace and security”.

The two sides also stressed the importance of maintaining regular consultations and close coordination to address prevailing challenges and seize emerging opportunities.

Pezeshkian highlighted the enduring strength of Pakistan-Iran relations, rooted in shared history, culture and faith, and reaffirmed Tehran’s desire to further deepen multifaceted cooperation.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi and senior officials from both countries attended the meeting. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was also present.

Makkah Defence Alliance discussed

Asked whether he had taken the Iranian president into confidence about the Makkah Defence Alliance, PM Shehbaz said, “Yes, this was discussed, and we did inform him.”

The prime minister also highlighted close cooperation between Pakistan’s political and military leadership, saying the coordination was contributing to diplomatic efforts and economic stability.

Earlier, the premier also met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to its historic and fraternal ties with Syria.

The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and political independence, while expressing good wishes for the Syrian people’s efforts towards national stabilisation, peace and economic recovery.

The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations through enhanced high-level exchanges and cooperation in trade, investment, education and information technology. Shehbaz also reaffirms Pakistan’s readiness to contribute to Syria’s reconstruction and economic recovery.

The two leaders exchanged views on regional developments, with Shehbaz reiterating Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and a just and lasting resolution of the Palestine issue in line with relevant UN resolutions and international law.

Meanwhile, the prime minister met IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and appreciates the Fund’s continued support for Pakistan’s economy.

Shehbaz reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the IMF-supported reform programme and maintaining the momentum of economic reforms.

He said Pakistan is transitioning from macroeconomic stabilisation towards economic recovery despite regional conflict and external inflationary pressures, citing improved fiscal discipline, stronger external buffers and growing investor confidence.

The two sides discussed Pakistan’s forthcoming IMF programme review and continued cooperation to advance reforms, strengthen economic resilience and support sustainable growth.

Georgieva appreciated Pakistan’s performance under the IMF programme and the government’s efforts towards economic stabilisation, saying the measures are yielding tangible results.

Earlier, Shehbaz met delegations of Pakistani community members and young Pakistanis living in the United States.

The youth delegation included healthcare professionals, IT and artificial intelligence experts, social entrepreneurs, youth NGO heads and other professionals.

The prime minister invited Pakistani youth to offer suggestions for improvement in different sectors and play their role in Pakistan’s development, saying talented Pakistani youth living abroad are a source of pride for the nation.

He said the government is taking measures to empower youth through information technology, artificial intelligence and modern skills.

The prime minister also highlighted initiatives including laptops and scholarships for talented youth and Daanish Schools for underprivileged students, saying a world-class Daanish University is also being established.

The Pakistani youth representatives appreciated the government’s initiatives for youth development, particularly in IT and ease of doing business.