“Pakistan, Iran are working together to improve border security”

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a joint ceremony in Islamabad today. Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian is visiting Islamabad, in his first official visit to Pakistan since assuming office, marking a significant moment in Pakistan-Iran relations.

The two leaders spoke on mutual cooperation, regional stability, and support for each other on major international issues. Welcoming the Iranian President and his delegation, Prime Minister Sharif said that Pakistan and Iran have historic brotherly relations.

During the bilateral meeting, the two sides also signed several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing cooperation across various sectors. “The memorandums of understanding will soon be converted into agreements,” PM Sharif said, adding that both countries are committed to reaching a $10 billion trade target. He said that Pakistan and Iran are also working on establishing joint economic zones and improving border trade mechanisms.

On regional security, both leaders expressed concern over Israel’s recent military actions against Iran. “Israel attacked Iran without any reason,” PM Sharif said, adding, “The 240 million people of Pakistan condemned the Israeli aggression on Iran. There was no justification for this aggression.” He also offered prayers for those who were killed and injured, “We pray for the high ranks of those martyred in the war and the speedy recovery of the injured Iranian brothers and sisters.”

The prime minister commended Iran’s response to the conflict and expressed Pakistan’s continued support for Iran’s peaceful nuclear program. “Pakistan stands with Iran for its rights,” PM Shehbaz Sharif said.

President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its support during the recent conflict and said, “I am sincerely grateful for Pakistan’s support against Israeli aggression.” He called for greater unity within the Muslim world, “In the present era, there is a dire need for the unity of the Muslim Ummah.”

Both leaders also raised concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and noted that both Pakistan and Iran raised their voices for the Palestinian cause on global platforms.

On broader cooperation, Pezeshkian said, “Promoting bilateral cooperation in political, economic, and cultural sectors is a priority.” He added, “Pakistan-Iran relations are based on a common culture and religion.”

The Iranian president also referenced Pakistan’s national poet Allama Iqbal, saying, “Allama Iqbal’s poetry is a beacon for us too. The basis of his poetry is the unity of the Muslim Ummah.”

PM Sharif concluded the event by saying, “We have discussed in depth all aspects of mutual relations.” Pezeshkian echoed the sentiment, saying, “Good relations with Pakistan are an important part of Iran’s foreign policy. We are determined to maintain ties with Pakistan.” He also said, “Bilateral cooperation is ongoing to improve border security.”

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