ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran on Sunday reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across a wide range of areas, including trade, regional security, and diplomacy.
The renewed pledge was made during a meeting between Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and his Iranian Counterpart Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, in Islamabad on Sunday. The Iranian President, along with a high-level delegation, is on a two-day official visit to Pakistan.
President Zardari said that Pakistan and Iran enjoy fraternal relations which are based on shared religion, culture and mutual respect, Radio Pakistan reported.
He appreciated Iran’s principled positions on regional issues and acknowledged Tehran’s consistent support for regional cooperation.
President Zardari expressed gratitude for Iran’s solidarity during critical moments and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with Iran for a peaceful and prosperous future.
The President also thanked Iran’s Supreme Leader, Syed Ali Khamenei, for his consistent support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
President Zardari strongly condemned the unprovoked Israeli aggression against Iran and lauded the bravery and unity of the Iranian nation during the recent twelve-day war.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian thanked the leadership and people of Pakistan for their support during the 12-day war and appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in advocating de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy for the peaceful resolution of disputes.
The two leaders exchanged views on major regional and international developments and stressed the need for coordinated diplomatic efforts to prevent the escalation of conflicts and to promote peace, security, and stability in the region.
Both sides emphasised the importance of enhancing bilateral ties in wide-ranging and mutually beneficial areas.
$10bln bilateral trade
Pakistan and Iran have set a target of boosting their bilateral trade to $10 billion at the earliest.
Earlier in the day, addressing a joint press stakeout in Islamabad on Sunday, along with Iranian President Pezeshkian, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said both countries signed a number of MoUs to transform them into agreements as well as to realise the trade target, Radio Pakistan reported.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said recent unprovoked Israeli aggression against Iran was totally uncalled for, and it was condemned in the strongest terms not only by the government but also by the people of Pakistan.
Reiterating Pakistan’s principled stance, he said Iran has the right, as per the UN Charter, to pursue nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
The Prime Minister said both Islamabad and Tehran have a convergence of views on terrorism that no form of this menace will be tolerated, whether on Pakistani soil or in Iran.
Pakistan and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to further broaden bilateral cooperation in diverse fields@PresOfPakistan @AAliZardari @PakinIran@ForeignOfficePk#RadioPakistan #News https://t.co/iBqJlcOgSJ pic.twitter.com/JA2rRWvSgN
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) August 3, 2025
Situation in Gaza
On the situation in Gaza, PM Sharif urged the international community to unite in calling for an immediate ceasefire.
He paid tribute to the Iranian government for its unwavering support for the innocent Palestinian people, who continue to suffer under Israeli brutality. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine.
PM Sharif further said the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir is not much different to that of Gaza as the Kashmiris continue to suffer Indian brutalities.
He emphasised that the people of IIOJK must be granted their inalienable right to self-determination. He said Pakistan always has and will continue to raise its voice for the Kashmiri people.
He thanked Iran for supporting the Kashmiri people’s right to freedom.
Deepen bilateral ties
On the occasion, the Iranian President thanked the people and government of Pakistan for standing with Iran during recent Israeli aggression. He extended the message of unity and brotherhood to Pakistan by reciting Allama Iqbal’s poetry.
The Iranian President said his country views Pakistan not only as a neighbour but as a brother. He said there are serious and joint efforts to deepen bilateral relations in all dimensions, and the agreements and MoUs exchanged today are a manifestation of this.
Besides, the two sides also reaffirmed their joint commitment to combat terrorism and ensure peace along their shared border, paving the way for opening up new avenues of regional development.
They strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression and genocide in Gaza, calling for its immediate cessation. Both sides also emphasised the need to strengthen cooperation among all Muslim nations.
Dr Masoud Pezeshkian extended an invitation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit Iran for renewing talks and following up on the progress made in bilateral relations so far.
He also thanked the Prime Minister for according warm hospitality to him and his delegation.
Iran’s right to self-defence
Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani met with Iran’s President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian in Islamabad on Sunday.
During the meeting, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani congratulated the Iranian President on Iran’s historic success in its recent conflict with Israel, saying that Pakistan was among the first countries to recognise Iran’s right to self-defence under the UN Charter.
He said Parliament also passed a resolution in support of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and in condemnation of Israeli aggression.
Chairman Senate reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts through diplomacy and dialogue, emphasising that war is never a solution.
President Masoud Pezeshkian reciprocated the sentiments, emphasising that Pakistan and Iran enjoy deep-rooted, historical ties based on mutual trust, cultural affinity, and shared religious and civilizational heritage.
He stressed the importance of joint efforts to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
The Iranian President also underscored Iran’s intention to expand cooperation with Pakistan in trade, economy, and investment for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The two sides held wide-ranging discussions on enhancing bilateral ties, deepening parliamentary cooperation, and promoting trade, economic, and cultural exchanges.
