In a significant diplomatic gesture, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced Pakistan’s willingness to engage in regional dialogue with India for peace in South Asia. Speaking in Tehran alongside Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, the premier stressed Pakistan’s commitment to resolving all disputes, including Kashmir, through peaceful means.
Tehran Visit Highlights Bilateral Ties
PM Shehbaz arrived in Tehran after a visit to Turkiye, continuing his four-nation tour aimed at thanking allies for their support during Pakistan’s recent conflict with India. Upon arrival, he received a warm welcome, including a guard of honour. He was accompanied by Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Army Chief General Asim Munir, and other senior officials.
Read: Shehbaz, Erdogan Vow to Boost Pakistan-Turkiye Ties
Strengthening Pakistan-Iran Cooperation
The leaders held talks at Tehran’s Saadabad Palace, focusing on expanding cooperation and trade. The prime minister also expressed appreciation for Iran’s support during the recent crisis. Later, he planned to meet Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei to further discuss bilateral relations.
Trade Ambitions and Regional Stability
Before his Tehran visit, PM Shehbaz stated in an interview that Pakistan aims to raise its trade volume with Iran from $3 billion to $10 billion in the coming years. He emphasized the potential of cross-border cooperation between Balochistan and Sistan-Baluchestan to boost economic development and combat terrorism.
He highlighted the signing of several MoUs to support joint development projects and called for sustained economic engagement between the two nations.
Mediation and Peace Efforts
Shehbaz Sharif thanked Iran for offering mediation during Pakistan’s conflict with India—a gesture he described as sincere and wise. He reiterated Pakistan’s preference for diplomacy over confrontation and emphasized that peace in the region hinges on resolving both the Kashmir and Palestine issues in line with the aspirations of the affected peoples.
The premier expressed hope that Iran-US talks would also yield positive outcomes and stressed the need for collective efforts to ensure regional peace and prosperity.
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