Pakistan, Iran Vow Deeper Ties After President Pezeshkian’s Visit

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan and Iran have renewed their commitment to deepening strategic cooperation, boosting economic ties, and jointly advocating for the rights of the Palestinian and Kashmirs people. The pledge came following Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian’s high-profile state visit to Pakistan on August 2–3, the Foreign Office confirmed on Friday.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan hailed the visit as “timely and significant,” noting that it occurred during a period of heightened geopolitical tensions in the region. The Iranian leader was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and senior cabinet members.

During his visit, President Pezeshkian held meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

President Zardari reaffirmed the “fraternal ties” between the two nations, rooted in shared religion, culture, and mutual respect. He condemned what he termed the “unprovoked Israeli aggression” against Iran and praised the unity and resilience of the Iranian people during the recent 12-day conflict.

President Pezeshkian, in turn, thanked Pakistan for its unwavering diplomatic support during the crisis, particularly its calls for de-escalation and peaceful conflict resolution.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Iranian president discussed expanding bilateral trade from $3 billion to $10 billion, with plans to:

• Boost barter trade mechanisms
• Increase export quotas for Pakistani rice, fruits, and meat
• Operationalize border markets to facilitate commerce

Ambassador Khan highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing humanitarian aid to Gaza. On August 3, Senator Ishaq Dar oversaw the dispatch of the 17th aid consignment — 100 tons of food, powdered milk, and medical supplies. A day later, the 18th shipment was sent, bringing Pakistan’s total assistance to 1,815 tons.

Dar reiterated Pakistan’s call for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians, and a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders, in line with UN Security Council resolutions.

The FO categorically rejected “unfounded allegations” of Pakistani involvement in the Ukraine conflict, stressing that no verifiable evidence had been presented. Khan also strongly condemned the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by thousands of Israeli settlers and officials, warning of its potential to destabilize the region.

On the sixth anniversary of India’s August 5, 2019 actions in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), Pakistan observed Yaum-e-Istehsal with nationwide solidarity events, official statements, and a letter campaign to the UN and OIC leadership urging action on human rights violations.

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