PM Shehbaz ‘ready for talks’ with India on water, trade

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to being ready for serious and constructive dialogue with India on outstanding issues, including Kashmir, peace, water rights, trade, and counterterrorism.

“We wanted peace. We want peace and we will work for peace in the region through talks on the table and resolve our outstanding issues including Kashmir problem according to the United Nations Security Council resolutions which were acknowledged even by the Indian Lok Sabha when Nehru was the prime minister of India.”

During a joint press conference in Tehran with Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday, PM expresses readiness for talks with India to resolve regional issues.

“We are ready to talk for the sake of peace on different issues including water, trade and also counter terrorism if India is serious,” he stated.

PM stressed that Pakistan had exercised restraint and, with the full support of the nation, had given a strong response when necessary.

Though he reaffirmed that if India remained aggressive then Pakistan shall defend its sovereignty and territory integrity.

PM described Iran as his “second home” and expressed his gratitude for its support during the recent escalation between Pakistan and India, affirming Pakistan’s backing of Iran’s peaceful nuclear programme.

“We stand with our Iranian brothers and reaffirm our support for Iran’s peaceful nuclear programme,” PM said.

He highlighted the long-standing cultural and historical ties between Pakistan and Iran, adding that both nations had decided to deepen their relationship further through enhanced cooperation in various fields.

“Pakistan and Iran share deep-rooted, cultural, and historical ties. We have made the decision to strengthen these relations even further through cooperation in diverse sectors,” PM stated.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged constructive talks with the Iranian President, during which President Pezeshkian expressed concerns about the ongoing tensions in South Asia. He added that Iranian diplomats had remained in close contact with Pakistan, showing their concern for the country’s security.

He clarified, “Pakistan seeks peace and desires to resolve issues through dialogue. We are committed to a resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with United Nations resolutions.”

On the ongoing Gaza conflict, the Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Palestinian people, condemning the Israeli aggression that has resulted in the deaths of 54,000 Palestinians.

“It is high time that the international community uses its influence to bring lasting ceasefire in Palestine. Pakistan stands by its brothers and sisters in Iran to promote peace, progress and prosperity,” he urged.

In his remarks, Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian welcomed the recent ceasefire between Pakistan and India, urging both nations to resolve their differences through dialogue.

“We believe that for ensuring security and stability in the region, neighbouring countries should hold dialogue and have positive consultations among each other and with the international partners,” he said.

The Iranian President said the two countries should cooperate on making their borders secure from the activities of terrorists and criminal groups.

“Peace and stability in Pakistan is in the interest of Iran. We believe that sustaining security and maintaining friendly and peaceful relations with neighbouring countries is in the interest of the two countries,” he continued.

President Pezeshkian also condemned the violence in Gaza, stating, “Iran and Pakistan, as members of the OIC, collectively condemn the atrocities in Gaza.”

He further criticised the silence of Western countries in the face of the Gaza crisis, calling their stance “highly reprehensible.” He concluded by thanking PM Shehbaz and the Pakistani delegation for their visit.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Tehran on Monday following the conclusion of his two-day official visit to Turkiye.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Iran is part of a six-day diplomatic tour spanning four countries—Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan. The tour aims to express gratitude and strengthen regional partnerships in the wake of recent tensions with India.

Upon his arrival at Mehrabad Airport, the Prime Minister and his delegation were warmly welcomed by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghaddam, Pakistani Ambassador to Iran Mudassar Tipu, and senior diplomatic officials.

A smartly turned out contingent of the Iranian army presented a formal salute to the Prime Minister.

Later, the Prime Minister, accompanied by his delegation, made their way to Sa’dabad Palace in Tehran, where he was met by Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian. Upon arrival, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was greeted with a ceremonial guard of honour.

The Prime Minister’s delegation includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi.

PM Shehbaz Sharif pledges to increase Pakistan-Iran trade to $10 billion

In an interview with IRNA before his Tehran visit, PM Shehbaz noted that trade between the two nations had risen considerably over the past three to four years. “We want to raise it to $10 billion soon, but the potential is even greater. We are discussing a free trade agreement (FTA), and I believe trade will expand significantly over the next decade. Sustained economic engagement is essential for long-term growth,” he said.

Highlighting the shared 900-kilometer border, Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that economic ties between Pakistan’s Balochistan and Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan provinces could benefit the whole region and aid counter-terrorism efforts. Both countries have signed memoranda to develop projects in these areas.

On his visit to Iran, he expressed gratitude for Tehran’s support during the recent conflict with India, praising Iran’s offer to mediate, which India declined. He plans to discuss bilateral relations and mutual interests with Iranian leadership.

Shehbaz Sharif also reaffirmed strong Pakistan-Iran ties and pledged continued cooperation on Muslim Ummah issues and regional stability. He stressed that lasting peace requires resolving Kashmir and Palestine in line with the aspirations of their peoples.

Regarding Iran-US talks, he expressed hope that diplomacy would prevent conflict and promote regional peace and security, commending Iran’s leadership and wishing success for the negotiations.

He thanked Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Araqchi for their efforts to ease South Asian tensions, reflecting Iran’s commitment to regional peace.

Earlier, during his visit to Turkiye, the prime minister conveyed Pakistan’s gratitude to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Turkish people for their unwavering support during recent regional tensions with India.

The prime minister lauded Turkiye’s principled stance and the outpouring of goodwill of the Turkish people for Pakistan. He described it as “a source of great comfort and strength” for Pakistan, the statement added.

He was seen off at the Istanbul airport by Turkish Minister of National Defence Yasar Guler, Deputy Governor of Istanbul Ilker Haktankacmaz, and President of the Pakistan-Türkiye Cultural Association Burhan Kayaturk. Also present were Ambassador Yousaf Junaid, Consul General Nauman Aslam, Turkish officials, and members of the Pakistan Embassy.