ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday held a joint press briefing in Islamabad after their meeting at the Prime Minister House and delegation-level talks.
President Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan on a one-day official visit at the invitation of PM Shehbaz. During the visit, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations, regional developments and ways to further strengthen cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
PM Shehbaz said that his discussions with President Pezeshkian were “very productive” and held in a “very cordial atmosphere”. He described the meeting as a “family reunion” where both leaders spoke with complete clarity and commitment to further strengthen the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran.
He said Islamabad and Tehran had always supported each other during difficult times, adding that recent developments had once again proved the strength of their friendship, partnership and longstanding ties.
The prime minister began his remarks by reciting an Iranian couplet on friendship during challenging times and praised President Pezeshkian as a “visionary and sagacious leader” of Iran. He also appreciated his calm, wise and patient personality.
Recalling Pezeshkian’s background as a doctor, PM Shehbaz congratulated him on the honour and recognition he had received, calling the day a “historic moment” in Pakistan-Iran relations.
Talking about the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed last week between the United States and Iran, PM Shehbaz said it was a matter of great happiness that the war had ended, which could have affected the entire region and beyond.
He praised President Pezeshkian and his colleagues for their leadership and highlighted Pakistan’s role as an “honest and sincere mediator” in the US-Iran peace process.
PM Shehbaz announced that he would visit Tehran next week to pay respects to the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and reaffirm Pakistan’s solidarity with the people of Iran.
“Zindabad dosti Pakistan o Iran,” he said at the conclusion of his remarks.
The prime minister also expressed hope that the US-Iran technical talks held in Switzerland would open a new era of peace, stability and prosperity for the region.
He appreciated the wisdom and guidance of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei and praised the Iranian nation for showing unity, courage and dignity during difficult circumstances.
PM Shehbaz extended condolences over the loss of thousands of lives, including the late Khamenei, and said Pakistan shared Iran’s grief.
“Your happiness is our happiness. Your sorrow is our sorrow,” he said, adding that Iran’s success was Pakistan’s success and Iran’s loss was Pakistan’s loss.
He said Pakistan and Iran were not merely neighbours but were connected through shared history, religion and culture.
The premier thanked the Iranian leadership for trusting Pakistan’s role in facilitating the peace process, saying Islamabad had carried out mediation efforts with honesty and sincerity.
He also appreciated the participation of Iranian and US delegations in the Lake Lucerne Summit in Switzerland and thanked countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt for their support.
PM Shehbaz acknowledged the efforts of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, saying his commitment played an important role in making the peace breakthrough possible.
He also praised Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the Foreign Office team and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for their contributions.
Pezeshkian highlights historic bond
President Masoud Pezeshkian began his address by reciting verses from Allama Iqbal, saying they continued to inspire unity among Muslim nations.
He said Pakistan and Iran were not just neighbouring countries but shared common aspirations, concerns and hopes.
“Pakistan for us is not merely a neighbouring country; it is a brotherly and friendly country,” Pezeshkian said, highlighting the deep historical, cultural and religious connections between the two nations.
He said Pakistan-Iran relations had always been based on mutual respect, goodwill and historical trust, adding that recent developments had further strengthened these ties.
The Iranian president praised Pakistan’s role in supporting dialogue, negotiations and regional stability, describing it as a reflection of the trust Iran had in Pakistan’s government and people.
He thanked Pakistan for its solidarity and hospitality and said he held constructive meetings with PM Shehbaz, President Asif Ali Zardari and CDF Asim Munir.
Pezeshkian said both countries wanted to use the current positive environment to open a new chapter in bilateral relations and explore new opportunities for cooperation.
He stressed that peace, stability, security and development in West Asia and the Persian Gulf could only be achieved through dialogue, regional cooperation and mutual respect.
He added that Iran was ready to work with regional countries to build a new security framework based on friendship and understanding.
‘We will never let you down’
Earlier during delegation-level talks, PM Shehbaz welcomed President Pezeshkian and thanked him for accepting the invitation to visit Pakistan.
He said Pezeshkian’s visit after the Islamabad MoU was a source of happiness and satisfaction for Pakistan.
The prime minister requested the Iranian president to convey Pakistan’s greetings to Iran’s leadership and expressed condolences over the deaths of innocent civilians.
He assured President Pezeshkian that Pakistan would continue supporting peace efforts and would “never let Iran down”.
PM Shehbaz said true brotherhood needed no explanation and assured that Pakistan would continue playing its role until lasting peace was achieved.
He also highlighted Field Marshal Asim Munir’s efforts during the crisis, saying he worked tirelessly to prevent a wider conflict.
The premier praised Ishaq Dar and Mohsin Naqvi for their diplomatic efforts and also acknowledged the role of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
The Iranian president was welcomed at the Prime Minister House with a guard of honour before holding bilateral discussions with PM Shehbaz.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials accompanied President Pezeshkian during the visit.
Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq were also expected to meet the Iranian leader.
Zardari reaffirms support for Iran’s peace
President Asif Ali Zardari also met President Pezeshkian at Aiwan-i-Sadr and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Iran’s peace, stability and sovereignty.
The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, regional security, connectivity, economic cooperation and other matters of mutual interest.
President Zardari said the visit reflected the longstanding brotherly relations between the two countries and their commitment to standing together in difficult times.
He said Pakistan had always supported dialogue and diplomacy instead of unilateral actions to resolve regional and global challenges.
Zardari also highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining strong relations with Gulf countries while preserving unity among Muslim nations.
He congratulated President Pezeshkian on the US-Iran agreement and expressed hope that technical negotiations would lead to permanent peace in the region.
President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its constructive role in promoting dialogue and said Iran attached great importance to relations with Pakistan.
He expressed Iran’s desire to expand cooperation in political, economic and security fields.
Pezeshkian, Munir discuss regional peace
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir also met President Pezeshkian and discussed regional developments and peace initiatives.
The Iranian president appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting dialogue, reducing tensions and supporting regional stability.
He acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to encourage peaceful solutions during a period of increasing geopolitical challenges.
Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability in the region.
Both sides agreed to further strengthen Pakistan-Iran relations and continue consultations on issues of mutual interest to promote peace, prosperity and stability.