ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan firmly stands with Iran's principled stance. He prayed for the swift recovery of the Iranian brothers and sisters injured during the war.
Addressing a joint press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan warmly welcomes the Iranian President and his delegation on their first-ever visit to Pakistan. The prime minister extended greetings on behalf of the people and government of Pakistan.
He noted that Iran’s President brought a heartfelt message for the people of Pakistan, and during his visit, both leaders held comprehensive discussions on religious, cultural, and geographical matters.
The prime minister said that Pakistan and Iran signed several MoUs today, which will soon be transformed into formal agreements. The two countries have set a trade target of $10 billion. The prime minister affirmed that Pakistan and Iran share the same stance on counterterrorism and that any form of terrorism is unacceptable.
He added that Iran has every right to acquire nuclear power under the UN Charter. Pakistan supports Iran’s legitimate rights in this regard.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also prayed for the martyrs of the war and praised the bravery of the Iranian military and people, saying their missile strikes exposed Israel’s defence system. He emphasized that there was no justification for Israel’s aggression against Iran, and Pakistan’s 240 million people strongly condemned it.
PM Shehbaz condemns Israeli attacks on Gaza
“Severe oppression continues in Gaza, where innocent people are being killed. Iran’s Supreme Leader and President have always raised their voices for the oppressed Muslims of Gaza. Pakistan has also strongly spoken out for Gaza,” he added.
“No street in Gaza is free from bloodshed; everywhere, the blood of mothers, children, and youth stains the ground. Aid has been blocked, forcing people into starvation. Today, the entire Muslim world must unite and raise its voice for Gaza. All efforts must be made to bring peace to Gaza. If we fail to raise our voice for Gaza, the world will never forgive us,” said the prime minister.
The prime minister further said that the situation in Kashmir is no different from Gaza. Day and night, Kashmiris are being massacred, and their valleys are stained red with their blood. Kashmiris deserve the same right to freedom that the rest of the world enjoys. The freedom movement will not be complete without Kashmir’s liberation.
“Pakistan has always raised its voice for Kashmir and will continue to do so,” he added.
He expressed gratitude to Iran for raising its voice for Kashmir’s freedom.
Iranian President thanks Pakistan for support against Israeli aggression
Speaking on the occasion, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the people of Pakistan for their warm hospitality. He said he had valuable discussions with Pakistani scholars and political leadership.
He thanked the Pakistani nation for its strong support against Israeli aggression, adding that in today’s era, unity among the Muslim Ummah is crucial. He said that Pakistan and Iran’s relations are rooted in shared culture and religion.
President Pezeshkian stated that the poetry of Allama Iqbal serves as a guiding light for Iran as well. He noted that Iqbal’s poetry is based on the unity of the Muslim world. He said strong relations with Pakistan are a key part of Iran’s foreign policy, and both nations are working to expand ties in various fields, including political, economic, and cultural sectors.
He highlighted the importance of signing MoUs in different sectors and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to finalizing these agreements. Steps are being taken to establish joint economic zones and enhance border trade, while bilateral cooperation continues to strengthen border security.
He stressed that regional peace and development are deeply interconnected. Israel, he said, is pursuing an agenda to destabilize the region, and its aggression in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria reflects its malicious intent.
He urged Muslim countries to unite for peace, warning that Israeli aggression threatens regional stability. He also called on the UN Security Council to take notice of Israeli atrocities.
In conclusion, President Masoud Pezeshkian extended an invitation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit Iran.
A total of 13 agreements and Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) were signed between Pakistan and Iran during Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's visit to Pakistan.
PM Shehbaz, President Masoud Pezeshkian discuss Middle East situation
Earlier, President Masoud Pezeshkian and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged to strengthen Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations in a one-on-one meeting between the two leaders at the Prime Minister’s House. Both the leaders discussed the Middle East situation.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif receives the President of Iran H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian at the Prime Minister's House. pic.twitter.com/DbNVh71CEu
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) August 3, 2025The Iranian President thanked the Pakistani leadership and people for their clear and unwavering support during the Iran-Israel war.
Prime Minister Shehbaz warmly received Presidnet Pezeshkian when he arrived at the Prime Minister's House.
The Iranian president was given a guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Armed Forces. National anthems of both the countries were played. Later, he was introduced to members of the federal cabinet. The prime minister also met with the members of the Iranian delegation.
The President of Iran H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian receives guard of honor at Prime Minister's House. pic.twitter.com/OBUy5UDwLj
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) August 3, 2025President Pezeshkian also planted a sapling in the lawn of the PM’s House.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and the President of Iran H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian plant a sapling in Prime Minister's House. pic.twitter.com/6jgfvp6V15
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) August 3, 2025The Iranian president is also scheduled to meet with President Asif Ali Zardari in the evening. President Zardari will host a dinner in the honour of his Iranian counterpart.
Diplomatic sources state that the bilateral meetings will include discussions on strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations and enhancing cooperation in the fields of energy and trade.
DAR MEETS PRESIDENT PEZESHKIAN
Meanwhile, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with Iranian President Pezeshkian here.
According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, Dar and Iranian president reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the historic and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran, rooted in shared history, culture, and faith.
The Iranian President appreciated Pakistan's support and reiterated Iran’s commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in various areas of mutual interest.
According to the spokesperson, the Iranian president also indicated his intent to hold meaningful discussions with Pakistani leadership to further strengthen political and economic ties between the two friendly nations.
On Saturday, Dar met with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and agreed to focus on regional stability, trade, and economic cooperation.
They also emphasized the need to reinforce an effective system of continuous consultation and communication.