ISLAMABAD, Sunday, August 3, 2025 (WNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and visiting Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday reaffirmed their resolve to elevate Pakistan-Iran bilateral trade to a target of $10 billion, underscoring a new era of enhanced regional cooperation, economic ties, and solidarity on global issues.
Addressing a joint press stakeout following high-level talks at the Prime Minister House, Prime Minister Shehbaz said both sides had signed a dozen agreements and MoUs to transform longstanding potential into concrete collaboration.
“These documents are more than just symbolic. They represent a serious commitment to deepen economic engagement,” he said, adding that both sides will soon hold detailed discussions to accelerate implementation.
The prime minister also expressed strong support for Iran in the wake of Israel’s recent 10-day military aggression. Calling it unprovoked and unjustifiable, Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attacks and extended condolences over the martyrdom of Iranian generals, scientists, and civilians. He praised the Iranian military’s resilience and strategic response, which he said “exposed Israeli vulnerabilities.”
Reaffirming Pakistan’s principled stance, he stated, “We support Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy under the UN Charter,” and emphasized joint resolve to combat terrorism, noting, “Terrorism against one is terrorism against all.”
Turning to Gaza, the Prime Minister denounced the continued genocide of Palestinian civilians and urged the Muslim world and international community to go beyond rhetoric and take meaningful action.
He drew a parallel with the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir, where, he said, “innocents are being systematically oppressed.” He thanked Iran for its consistent support for the Kashmiri cause.
Iranian President Dr. Pezeshkian, in his remarks, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people and leadership of Pakistan for their unwavering solidarity during the Israeli aggression. Calling Pakistan his “second home,” he described relations between the two nations as deeply rooted in shared faith, culture, and history—even quoting Allama Iqbal to emphasize unity in the Muslim world.
The Iranian President welcomed the agreements signed and called for serious follow-up to develop land, sea, and air routes, which he said would catalyze economic growth and regional stability. He also stressed the urgency of securing border regions from terrorism.
He warned against the “expansionist designs” of Israel and urged greater cooperation among Muslim nations to safeguard sovereignty, peace, and territorial integrity.
Earlier, both leaders witnessed the signing of 12 pivotal documents, including agreements on plant protection and quarantine; science, technology, and innovation collaboration; information technology; cultural, youth, and education exchange programs; health, tourism, and research cooperation; judicial assistance and maritime security; fire extinguishing and emergency response and Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The signing was attended by senior government officials, members of the Iranian delegation, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Speaker National Assembly, Chairman Senate, and federal cabinet members.
The visit, President Pezeshkian’s first to Pakistan, is widely seen as a strategic turning point in bilateral relations—anchored in shared values and focused on economic revival and regional peace.
