ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and Iran have set an ambitious target to increase their bilateral trade volume to $10 billion, with leaders of both nations agreeing to accelerate efforts to meet this goal “as soon as possible.”
Speaking at a joint press briefing with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the commitment of both governments to elevate economic and strategic ties. “Today, we signed a series of important documents aimed at transforming our shared vision into actionable agreements,” he said.
The prime minister noted that both sides held comprehensive discussions, covering religious, cultural, and strategic dimensions of their relationship, and vowed to deepen their cooperation in all sectors.
Shehbaz Sharif thanked President Pezeshkian for his warm words to the people of Pakistan and condemned Israel’s unprovoked aggression against Iran in June. “The entire 240 million people of Pakistan stood with Iran during this injustice,” he added, offering prayers for the Iranian martyrs and injured.
He praised the Iranian leadership and armed forces for their resilience and noted that Tehran’s retaliatory missile strikes exposed weaknesses in Israel’s defence systems.
In response, President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan’s government, parliament, and people for their strong support during Israel’s 10-day offensive. He cited verses from Allama Iqbal to emphasize Muslim unity, calling Pakistan not only a neighbor but a brotherly nation.
He said the two countries were engaged in “serious and sincere” efforts to raise the current $3 billion trade volume to $10 billion, noting that the 12 agreements signed today were a major step in that direction.
The MoUs signed span a wide range of sectors, including:
Plant protection and quarantine
Science, technology, and innovation
IT and digital exchange
Culture, education, youth programs, and research
Maritime security and fire response
Judicial cooperation
Product quality inspections
Tourism and free trade cooperation
President Pezeshkian also emphasized the need to improve air, sea, and land connectivity to facilitate trade and ensure border security amid terrorist threats. Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to enhance coordination in this area for the safety of citizens.
The Iranian president condemned the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza and called on Muslim nations to unite against Zionist expansionism. He urged international bodies to abandon double standards and protect the sovereignty of all nations.
Calling Pakistan his “second home,” Pezeshkian expressed gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality extended by Prime Minister Shehbaz and the people of Pakistan.
