TEHRAN, Iran: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday reaffirmed Pakistan’s sincere and serious desire for peace with India, however, he categorically stated that any aggression from New Delhi would be met with a firm response.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran, PM Sharif said Pakistan always has and will continue to work for peace in the region.
The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to resolving all outstanding issues with India including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute through talks and in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.
PM Sharif said Pakistan is ready to talk with India on water issue and for promotion of trade and counter-terrorism efforts. “Pakistan desires sincere and serious peace, however, if India chooses to be the aggressor, then Pakistan holds the right to defence,” the premier said.
The Prime Minister thanked the Iranian President for his concern over the situation in the region amidst Indian aggression.
He thanked the Iranian President for his brotherly feelings for the people of Pakistan during the recent clashes with India. “Pakistan stood out victorious in the crisis due to the brave efforts of our armed forces.”
Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear programme
Pakistan and Iran agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in diverse fields including trade, investment and commerce.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between PM Sharif and President Pezeshkian in Tehran, Radio Pakistan reported.
Prime Minister Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s support for Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear programme as talks between Iran and the US continue to revive the stalled nuclear deal.
PM Sharif said, “We stand by our brothers and sisters in Iran and fully support Iran’s right to have a civilian, peaceful nuclear programme.”
The statement comes at a time when Iran and the US are holding talks to revive the Iran nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
joint press statement, after delegation level talks, at Sa’dabad Palace in Tehran on May 26, 2025. Photo from PID
Shehbaz Sharif, expressing his views, called Iran the second home of the Pakistani nation. He termed his meeting with the Iranian President as productive and useful.
Pakistan, Iran cooperation
PM Sharif said both countries have agreed to enhance their cooperation in the trade and economic sectors.
The PM went on to say Pakistan and Iran have deep-rooted cultural and historical ties, which will be transformed into a very proactive cooperation in various fields.
He thanked President Pezeshkian for making him a phone call to express concern about the evolving situation in the subcontinent a few weeks ago.
“I appreciate your concern and brotherly feeling for the people of Pakistan and de-escalate the tension,” he said.
He said Pakistan also had a great opportunity to welcome the Foreign Minister of Iran, Seyyed Abbas Araqchi few weeks ago.
Shehbaz Sharif noted that Pakistan came out of the crisis with India as victorious through the brave actions of Pakistan’s outstanding armed forces and the support of the people of Pakistan.
He said Pakistan is prepared to hold talks with India for the sake of regional peace, reiterating that the country desired peace and stability in South Asia.
“We want peace… we are ready to engage in dialogue for the resolution of all disputes, including the issue of Kashmir,” the premier said.
Situation in Gaza
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, referring to the situation in Gaza, strongly condemned the atrocities in the Palestinian territory, where more than 50,000 Palestinians have been martyred.
“As we speak, the story of bloodshed continues,” he said.
He called upon the international community to use its influence to bring a lasting ceasefire in that part of the world.
Pakistan an important neighbour of Iran
Speaking on the occasion, President Pezeshkian described Pakistan as an important neighbouring country of Iran and noted that both nations share common positions on several major regional and global issues.
He stated that during the meeting, bilateral matters—including political, economic, and cultural issues—were discussed.
He emphasised the importance of implementing the agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) signed between the two countries.
President Pezeshkian also stressed that the shared border should be free from terrorist groups and activities, adding that Pakistan’s peace and stability are in Iran’s interest.
He welcomed the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, underscoring that dialogue is essential for resolving disputes between any countries. “We need peace in South and West Asia,” he said.
Israel’s ‘atrocities’ in Gaza
He strongly condemned the ongoing atrocities committed by Israel in Gaza and expressed hope that the outcomes of the meeting would be beneficial to the people of both neighbouring nations.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Tehran on a visit to Iran aimed at further enhancing bilateral cooperation across different sectors.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi are accompanying the Prime Minister, Radio Pakistan reported.
The Prime Minister and his delegation will also meet with Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and discuss bilateral and regional issues.
He is visiting Iran at the invitation of President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss bilateral relations, as well as regional and international developments.
PM Sharif arrived in Iran after concluding his two-day visit to Turkiye. The purpose of the Prime Minister’s visit was to express gratitude to the people of Turkiye, and especially to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for their strong support and cooperation during the recent Pakistan-India tensions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif prior to his visit said that the bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iran, which stood at $3 billion, would be taken to $10 billion in the next few years, as there was immense potential for growth.
