Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Sunday reiterated his commitment to further strengthen the brotherly and fraternal relations with Iran.

Addressing a joint press conference with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, the prime minister welcomed the Iranian delegation on its arrival in Pakistan.

The prime minister said: “Iran is our brotherly and friendly country, and it is an honour for us to host President Masoud Pezeshkian on his first visit to Pakistan. During our meeting, we had in-depth discussions on all aspects of our relationship.”

Shehbaz said that the 240 million people of Pakistan strongly condemned the Israeli aggression against Iran.

The prime minister paid tribute to the bravery of the Iranian forces and people, praying for the high status of the martyrs and the speedy recovery of the injured.

Shehbaz Sharif said that “the Iranian leadership achieved a remarkable victory, and took strong decisions against the enemy.”

The prime minister unequivocally stated that “Pakistan supports Iran’s nuclear programme for peaceful purposes and stands by Iran at every step.”

Shehbaz Sharif said that the two countries signed several memoranda of understanding today, which will soon be converted into formal agreements.

“Our target is to raise the volume of our bilateral trade to $10 billion, which we will achieve soon,” the prime minister added.

He stated that Pakistan and Iran share a common stance against terrorism, and the two countries have the same vision for peace and development in the region.

Referring to Israel’s ongoing barbarity in Gaza, the prime minister said: “Innocent children and women are being massacred in Gaza. Israel is even using food as a weapon against the Palestinians. The civilised world must now raise its voice as an immediate ceasefire is the need of the hour.”

He stressed that “the world must unite for peace in Gaza. The situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir is no different from Gaza. The Kashmir Valley has been drenched in the blood of oppressed Kashmiris.”

Speaking on the occasion, Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Pakistani nation, the prime minister, and all relevant institutions for their warm hospitality.

He said that his discussions with Pakistan’s religious scholars and political leadership had been highly beneficial and constructive, promoting harmony and mutual trust between the two countries.

The Iranian president, while praising Pakistan’s unwavering support against Israeli aggression, said that Iran deeply values Pakistan’s voice and practical support for the oppressed people of Palestine.

He said, “In the current era, the Muslim Ummah is facing extraordinary challenges, and in such a situation, unity, solidarity and adopting a common position have become necessary.”

President Pezeshkian said that relations between Iran and Pakistan are based not only on geography or economy, but also on shared culture, religion, and ideological harmony.

“Allama Iqbal’s poetry is a beacon of light not only for Pakistan, but for the entire Muslim world. The essence of his message is the unity of the Muslim Ummah, which is the core of our policy,” he added.

The Iranian president stressed that relations with Pakistan are the most important component of Iran’s foreign policy, and the two countries are advancing bilateral relations in the political, economic and cultural fields to new dimensions.

The president said that in the recent meeting, several memorandums of understanding have been exchanged in various fields, which will serve as the foundation for future cooperation.

“We are also taking steps to establish joint economic zones with Pakistan and promote border trade, while bilateral cooperation continues to improve border security,” he added.

Speaking on the regional situation, the Iranian president said that Israel is following an agenda of destabilising the region, and its ongoing aggression in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria is part of this nefarious intent.

Dr Pezeshkian warned that Israeli actions are putting the peace of the entire region at stake.

He urged the United Nations, in particular the Security Council, to take immediate and effective notice of Israeli atrocities.

“If the world needs peace, Muslim countries must unite and adopt a common position. Regional peace and development are closely interconnected, and we must all walk this path together,” he stressed

President Pezeshkian expressed his determination that Iran is committed to maintaining relations with Pakistan at all levels and implementing the agreed-upon memorandums of understanding.

He further said that “this is the moment for immediate action, delays only complicate matters.”

Before the press conference, both leaders participated in a formal MoU signing ceremony. Over 10 MoUs and agreements were exchanged between various ministers and high-ranking officials, including:

• A technology cooperation MoU between Federal Minister for IT Shaza Fatima and her Iranian counterpart

• A trade cooperation deal between Iran’s minister of commerce and Pakistan’s minister for food security

• Partnership agreements between Pakistan’s minister of state for finance & railways and Iran’s foreign minister

• Various social and cultural agreements signed between Federal Minister Khalid Magsi and Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghaddam

• Multiple MoUs exchanged in areas including cultural relations, climate change, maritime affairs, law and justice, interior affairs, and air services.

Pakistan, Iran agree to increase bilateral trade to $8bn

Pakistan and Iran have agreed to take bilateral trade to $8 billion annually, marking the beginning of a “new phase of strategic economic partnership.”

This important decision was taken in a meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal and Iranian Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade Mohammad Atabak during Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s two-day visit to Pakistan.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, during the meeting, the two ministers agreed to promote mutual trade, eliminate border barriers and establish sustainable partnerships in priority sectors.

Speaking on the occasion, Jam Kamal said that if opportunities are properly utilised, the bilateral trade between the two countries could reach the level of $5 to $8 billion annually in the coming years.

He suggested the formation of trade delegations between Pakistan and Iran, which include representatives from federal and provincial chambers of commerce, to promote market access and regulatory facilitation.

During the meeting, both sides also emphasised the effective use of existing trade corridors and border facilities.

Jam Kamal said that Pakistan and Iran should use their geographical proximity to gain similar benefits in the region as the ASEAN countries have done.

Iranian Minister Mohammad Atabak, while mentioning the mutual trust and readiness of businessmen of both countries, said that now they only need clear and consistent facilitation from the governments.

He also offered to organise B2B days in Pakistan and send Iranian business delegations.

Jam Kamal stressed that the time has come to convert the current momentum into practical trade results.

“This is the moment when the diplomacy needs to act while the iron is hot; delays complicate matters, we must take immediate steps,” he said.

The two ministers also agreed to enhance cooperation in specific sectors such as agriculture, livestock, energy, services and cross-border logistics.

The meeting also agreed to convene the next meeting of the Joint Economic Commission at the earliest and ensure full participation of private and public stakeholders.

According to the statement, recent regional and global developments have brought Pakistan and Iran closer together, and both countries are now ready to move towards a new economic era with a high level of political harmony and mutual trust, which could change the trade direction of the entire region.