Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed a joint press conference in Islamabad during the Iranian leader’s official visit to Pakistan, highlighting bilateral ties, regional peace, and the recently signed Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran.
Opening his remarks with an Iranian couplet about friendship in difficult times, PM Shehbaz praised President Pezeshkian as a wise and visionary leader. He described the occasion as a “historic moment” in Pakistan-Iran relations and welcomed the end of the US-Iran conflict, which he said had threatened regional stability.
Referring to Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran, the premier expressed hope that ongoing negotiations would lead to lasting peace and prosperity across the region. He also commended Iran’s leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, for steering the country through challenging circumstances.
Offering condolences for those killed during the conflict, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran, stating: “Your happiness is our happiness. Your sorrow is our sorrow.” He further emphasized the close bond between the two countries, saying they were connected by shared faith, culture, and history.
During delegation-level talks earlier in the day, PM Shehbaz assured the Iranian president of Pakistan’s continued support, declaring: “We will never let you down.” He pledged that Pakistan would continue working for a durable peace settlement based on dignity and mutual respect.
The prime minister also acknowledged the contributions of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in advancing diplomatic efforts that helped secure the ceasefire and launch negotiations.
President Pezeshkian received a guard of honour at the Prime Minister’s House before holding one-on-one and delegation-level meetings with Pakistani leaders. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accompanied him during the visit.
Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari met President Pezeshkian at Aiwan-i-Sadr, where both leaders discussed bilateral cooperation, regional security, connectivity, and economic relations. President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Iran’s sovereignty, unity, and stability, while congratulating Tehran on the signing of the Islamabad MoU.
President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its role in promoting peace and dialogue, expressing appreciation for Islamabad’s support during recent challenges and reaffirming Iran’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Pakistan in political, economic, and security fields.
The Iranian president also met Field Marshal Asim Munir, with both sides discussing regional developments and peace initiatives. According to the ISPR, President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to encourage dialogue and reduce tensions, while Field Marshal Munir reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability.
President Pezeshkian arrived in Islamabad earlier in the day and was received by President Zardari, PM Shehbaz, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghaddam. A 21-gun salute and fighter jet flypast marked his arrival.
His visit comes days after direct US-Iran talks in Switzerland under the Pakistan-mediated Islamabad MoU framework. The agreement outlines a roadmap for ending hostilities, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and pursuing negotiations on key issues within 60 days. Technical-level discussions are expected to continue in the coming days.
