PM Shehbaz meets Iranian Ambassador, reaffirms Pakistan’s support amid Israeli aggression

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s strong condemnation of recent Israeli aggression against Iran and expressed solidarity with the Iranian people and government amid heightened tensions in the region.

The PM made the remarks during a meeting with Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam on the sidelines of the International Maritime Expo and Conference in Islamabad on Monday. “The entire Pakistani nation’s sympathies are with Iran over the martyrdom of innocent people,” he said.

He referred to his recent telephonic conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during which Pakistan reaffirmed its support for Iran at the United Nations Security Council. Sharif stressed that Israel’s attacks on Iran are a blatant violation of the UN Charter and international law.

The premier further underscored that Pakistan would continue to stand by Iran in the face of Israeli aggression and maintain its commitment to supporting Iran’s sovereignty on the global stage.

Earlier, speaking at the soft launch of the 2nd Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference (PIMEC 2025), the PM outlined his vision for transforming Pakistan into a regional maritime powerhouse.

“It is a great pleasure to see the Pakistan Navy, under the patronage of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and in collaboration with key partners, organising the second edition of PIMEC,” the PM said.

He praised the leadership of Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry for their strategic foresight and commitment in advancing the event.

In his address, Sharif emphasised the pivotal role of the Pakistan Navy in national defence and regional security, noting, “The Pakistan Navy has been a formidable force through all conflicts and remains a strong pillar of our national security.”

The PM also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to international peace and maritime law, citing the AMAN Exercise, which involved over 50 countries, as a symbol of Pakistan’s cooperative maritime posture.

With more than 1,000 kilometres of coastline and strategic positioning along vital sea lanes, Sharif stated that Pakistan was uniquely positioned to tap into the trillion-dollar global blue economy.

“Even tapping a fraction of this economy could be a real game-changer,” he said, adding, “Our coastal trade already brings in nearly $7 billion a year, and just imagine the potential if we fully develop this sector.”

The PM drew inspiration from global success stories, notably Japan, which, despite limited maritime resources, became a global leader in marine infrastructure and regional trade. “Let there be open competition,” he said, stressing the importance of resilience, innovation, and strategic investment.

Sharif concluded by highlighting the need to transform Pakistan’s maritime sector into a driver of inclusive, sustainable economic growth. He called for greater synergy between the public and private sectors, saying, “The time has come to take the lead.”