Tehran: Pakistan and Iran have expressed commitment to an early resolution of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project through mutual consultations. The resolve was shown during a meeting between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran. In the meeting, the Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan's desire to enhance bilateral trade and deepen trade cooperation with Iran.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister thanked Iran's leadership for its concern during Pakistan's recent conflict with India and its offer to mediate for peace in the region. He also briefed Iran's leadership about Indian expansionist aims, which he described as a threat to regional peace and stability, and emphasized Pakistan's commitment to upholding the ceasefire.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the deep historical, cultural, religious, and civilizational ties between the two neighbors and committed to further deepening and widening the relationship with Iran. He underscored the existential threat posed by terrorism to the region and emphasized the need for Iran and Pakistan to deepen their cooperation to combat terrorism, being fully aware of the designs of external actors.
The Prime Minister further emphasized that resolving the Jammu and Kashmir issue according to the aspirations of its people and relevant UNSC resolutions is critical for peace and stability in the region. President Masoud Pezeshkian welcomed the Prime Minister and his delegation and assured the Pakistani leader of taking steps toward regional peace and stability.
Both leaders reaffirmed that strengthening peace and progress in Afghanistan is vital for regional stability. The Prime Minister condemned Israel for its actions against the Palestinian people in Gaza and called for an end to its policies, advocating for a two-state solution in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
Shehbaz Sharif extended an invitation to President Pezeshkian to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience. The Prime Minister's visit to Iran is at the invitation of President Pezeshkian, and he is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Federal Ministers for Interior Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Federal Minister for Information Mr. Attaullah Tarrar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi.
Upon arrival, the Prime Minister was presented with a guard of honor at the presidency, followed by delegation-level bilateral talks headed by both leaders.