ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, November 4, 2025 (WNP): Pakistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran on Tuesday signed multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening cooperation in broadcasting, film production, media regulation, and cultural exchange, marking a major milestone in bilateral relations between the two brotherly nations.

The signing ceremony in Islamabad brought together senior officials from both sides, including Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and a high-level delegation from the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), led by Dr. Ahmad Norouzi, Deputy Managing Director and Head of IRIB’s World Service.

The IRIB signed separate agreements with Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV), Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), Box Office (Pvt) Ltd, Sab TV Network, and VSH TV, paving the way for expanded collaboration across media and creative industries.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Attaullah Tarar described the visit of the Iranian delegation as “productive and inspiring,” emphasizing that the accords reflect both countries’ shared resolve to promote peace, cultural harmony, and people-to-people connectivity.

“Pakistan and Iran are not just neighbors — we are brothers united by faith, history, and culture,” Tarar said, commending Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkia’s recent visit to Pakistan as “a meaningful step in strengthening bilateral friendship.”

He highlighted the symbolic importance of the Iranian President’s visit to Allama Iqbal’s mausoleum, noting that Iqbal’s message continues to inspire generations across the Muslim world.

Tarar underscored the importance of digital cooperation, citing Pakistan’s creative use of social media during recent regional tensions. “Our youth demonstrated unity and creativity online, showing that digital media is the new frontier of public diplomacy,” he said.

He further emphasized that the new MoUs include provisions for digital collaboration, journalist exchanges, and joint content creation, allowing both countries to learn from each other’s experiences.

Tarar also paid tribute to the resilience of the Iranian people in the face of adversity, referencing their steadfastness during recent attacks. “The courage of Iranian journalists, who continued broadcasting even under fire, is a powerful lesson in media integrity and national strength,” he remarked.

He praised Iran’s hospitality and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening media and cultural linkages through long-term institutional cooperation.

According to official details, the IRIB–PTV MoU provides for the exchange of television programs, joint news and cultural productions, staff training, and participation in media festivals and technical workshops. The agreement, valid for three years and automatically renewable, will also enable reciprocal personnel exchanges for capacity building.

The SATRA–PEMRA MoU aims to boost regulatory cooperation through joint working groups, research partnerships, and the exchange of expertise in media policy, content monitoring, and ethical standards.

The IRIB–Box Office (Pvt) Ltd agreement focuses on film industry collaboration under Pakistan’s “Punjab Film City” initiative, covering training, technical consultancy, and co-productions in cinema, cinematography, and digital editing.

The IRIB–Sab TV MoU emphasizes broadcasting collaboration, youth programming, and joint productions, with annual coordination meetings to ensure smooth implementation and protection of intellectual property rights.

Expressing gratitude to the Government of Pakistan, Dr. Ahmad Norouzi said the agreements would serve as a foundation for academic, cultural, and professional exchanges, including training opportunities for Pakistani journalists and students at Iranian universities.

Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, lauded Minister Tarar and his team for their “visionary leadership and dynamic contributions” in promoting media cooperation.

“These agreements have opened a memorable new chapter in Iran–Pakistan relations,” the ambassador said, adding that the progress achieved reflects both nations’ shared commitment to “mutual understanding, cultural enrichment, and regional stability.”

The event concluded with both sides reaffirming their determination to translate the signed agreements into practical outcomes that would enhance media collaboration, promote cultural diplomacy, and bring the people of Pakistan and Iran closer together.