ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reaffirmed Pakistan’s longstanding stance that Iran has the right to pursue nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, under the United Nations Charter. He made these remarks during a joint press conference with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, who is on a two-day state visit to Pakistan.
“Iran has every right to acquire nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Pakistan fully supports this right. True friends stand by each other in difficult times,” PM Shehbaz said, signaling Islamabad’s firm backing for Tehran amid global scrutiny of its nuclear program.
The prime minister also condemned the recent Israeli airstrikes on Iran, labeling them “unprovoked and totally uncalled for.” He said both the Pakistani government and its people strongly denounced the aggression, underscoring the need for peace in the region.
On the issue of Gaza, Shehbaz Sharif urged the international community to call for an immediate ceasefire, praising Iran’s “unwavering support for the innocent Palestinians.” Drawing parallels between Palestine and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), he stated that both regions remain victims of brutal occupation and deserve their right to self-determination.
President Pezeshkian expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s unwavering support during recent tensions and echoed Allama Iqbal’s poetry to highlight the unity between the two nations. “Pakistan is more than a neighbor; it is a brother,” he said, while emphasizing the need to expand bilateral ties across multiple sectors.
The two leaders witnessed the signing of various agreements and memoranda of understanding aimed at enhancing cooperation. Pezeshkian invited PM Shehbaz to visit Tehran for further engagement on joint projects.
In a joint statement, both countries condemned Israeli atrocities in Gaza, labeling them as genocide, and called for unity among Muslim nations to address the humanitarian crisis.
$8 Billion Trade Target Set
The visit also saw the announcement of an ambitious $8 billion annual trade target between the two nations. During a meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Iranian Minister for Industry, Mine and Trade Mohammad Atabak agreed to boost trade cooperation and expedite the Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission.
Both sides stressed improving cross-border trade, launching B2B meetings, and exploring collaborations in energy, agriculture, logistics, and IT. Minister Kamal termed the Pakistan-Iran relationship a blend of “trade, culture, and brotherhood,” while Atabak noted that closer ties could bring regional stability.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and his Iranian counterpart Brig Gen Aziz Nasir-Zadeh discussed enhancing defence cooperation and counter-terrorism initiatives.
The Iranian president, accompanied by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and a high-level delegation, was warmly received by PM Shehbaz, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar at Nur Khan Airbase. He was presented with a guard of honour and later met President Asif Ali Zardari and other senior officials.
President Pezeshkian also planted a sapling at the PM House, symbolizing friendship and peace.
