TEHRAN, Monday, May 26, 2025 (WNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has announced an ambitious plan to expand Pakistan-Iran bilateral trade from the current $3 billion to $10 billion in the coming years, highlighting the immense untapped potential for growth between the two neighboring nations.
In an exclusive interview with the Iranian news agency IRNA ahead of his official visit to Tehran, the prime minister said that trade between the two countries had shown notable progress over the past three to four years, but the scope for further expansion remained vast.
“We aim to take bilateral trade to $10 billion in the next few years,” the Prime Minister said. “However, I firmly believe the actual potential is even greater. Discussions are already underway to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and I am confident that within the next decade, trade volumes will grow significantly. What is essential is a long-term, sustained economic engagement between Pakistan and Iran.”
He emphasized the strategic importance of the nearly 900-kilometer shared border and the mutual economic prospects it offers. “I personally believe that strengthening economic linkages between Pakistan’s Balochistan and Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan provinces will not only uplift the region economically but also serve as a powerful tool in combating terrorism,” he noted.
Referring to recent bilateral developments, the prime minister said that both countries had signed memorandums of understanding to implement various joint projects across these border provinces, which could lay the foundation for deeper regional integration.
Speaking about the purpose of his visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz said it was at the invitation of President Masoud Pezeshkian and was aimed at expressing gratitude for Iran’s steadfast support during Pakistan’s recent tensions with India.
“The principal objective of my visit is to thank Iran for standing by Pakistan during our recent conflict with India. As you know, India imposed a war upon us, which Pakistan repelled with a decisive yet restrained response, in full compliance with international humanitarian law. We deeply appreciate Iran’s offer to mediate—a gesture we welcomed, even though it was unfortunately rejected by India,” he stated.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strong and brotherly relations with Iran, underscoring mutual cooperation on issues concerning the Muslim world and broader regional collaboration.
The prime minister also reiterated Pakistan’s principled stance on the longstanding Kashmir and Palestine issues. “There can be no lasting peace or justice in the region without resolving these critical disputes in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri and Palestinian people,” he stressed.
Commenting on ongoing diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States, Prime Minister Shehbaz said Pakistan believed in peaceful negotiations as the best path forward. “Dialogue, diplomacy, and engagement are the only sustainable solutions to conflicts. We must all work together to foster peace, security, and development across the region,” he remarked.
He expressed confidence in the Iranian leadership’s ability to engage constructively on the global stage. “I have great faith in Iran’s leadership, and I remain hopeful that their negotiations with the United States will yield positive outcomes. On behalf of the people and government of Pakistan, I extend my best wishes for regional peace and prosperity.”
The prime minister concluded by once again thanking President Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araqchi for their genuine efforts to ease tensions in South Asia, calling their approach a reflection of Iran’s wisdom and commitment to regional stability.
