ISLAMABAD, Friday, August 8, 2025 (WNP): Pakistan and Iran have reaffirmed their resolve to deepen bilateral relations, promote regional peace, and stand united in support of the Palestinian and Kashmiri people, Foreign Office Spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan said Friday.
Briefing the media at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Khan welcomed Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian’s state visit to Pakistan on August 2–3, terming it a “pivotal moment” for the region. The Iranian leader was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and senior cabinet members.
During the visit, President Pezeshkian met with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
President Zardari underscored the deep fraternal bonds between the two countries, rooted in shared religion, culture, and mutual respect. He condemned the “unprovoked Israeli aggression” against Iran and lauded the Iranian people’s unity and resilience during the recent 12-day war. He also expressed hope that the visit would further strengthen bilateral relations.
In response, President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its steadfast support during the conflict and praised its diplomatic role in advocating de-escalation and peaceful resolution.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Iranian president discussed expanding bilateral trade from $3 billion to $10 billion, enhancing barter trade, increasing export quotas for rice, fruits, and meat, and operationalizing border markets.
Senator Ishaq Dar also held separate meetings with President Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Araghchi to review regional issues and future cooperation.
Ambassador Khan highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing humanitarian assistance to Gaza, noting that on August 3, Senator Dar oversaw the dispatch of Pakistan’s 17th aid consignment—100 tons of food, powdered milk, and medical supplies—followed by an 18th shipment of dry rations, ready-to-eat meals, and medicines the next day. In total, Pakistan has sent 1,815 tons of aid to Gaza, reaffirming its “steadfast support” for the Palestinian cause.
The spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s call for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians, and a political solution to the Palestinian issue based on pre-1967 borders in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
He categorically rejected “baseless and unfounded” allegations regarding Pakistani nationals’ involvement in the Ukraine conflict, stressing that no verifiable evidence had been shared and Pakistan would seek clarification from Kyiv.
Strongly condemning the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by thousands of Israeli settlers, including senior officials and Knesset members, Ambassador Khan said such provocations were aimed at inflaming religious sentiments and destabilizing the region, urging urgent UN action to protect the sanctity of the holy site.
Marking the sixth anniversary of India’s “unilateral and illegal” actions of August 5, 2019, in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), he said Pakistan observed Yaum-e-Istehsal with solemn resolve. Special messages from the President, Prime Minister, and Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s political, diplomatic, and moral support for the Kashmiri cause.
Senator Dar also wrote to the UN Secretary-General, President of the UN General Assembly, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and OIC Secretary-General, urging implementation of UN Security Council resolutions on Kashmir and highlighting the worsening human rights situation in IIOJK.
A solidarity walk, led by Senator Dar and joined by Foreign Office officials, civil society members, and citizens, was held in Islamabad to mark the day.
Concluding the briefing, Ambassador Khan reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to regional peace, justice, and solidarity with oppressed peoples worldwide.
