During his official visit to Iran, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to engage in dialogue with India to resolve key disputes, including the longstanding Kashmir issue and matters related to water security.
The premier is on a diplomatic tour of four friendly countries, aiming to extend gratitude for their support during Pakistan’s recent military standoff with India.
Upon arrival in Tehran, PM Shehbaz was welcomed with a guard of honour by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the historic Saadabad Palace. In a joint press conference following bilateral discussions, PM Shehbaz termed the meeting “very productive,” noting it covered a wide range of mutual interests such as trade, investment, and cultural cooperation.
He emphasized the need to transform the deep-rooted cultural and historical ties between Pakistan and Iran into meaningful partnerships across various sectors. He also thanked President Pezeshkian for Iran’s unwavering support during the military crisis and expressed appreciation for Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s visit to Pakistan during that time.
“Pakistan’s armed forces responded with courage, and we emerged from the conflict with strength,” PM Shehbaz stated. “We remain committed to regional peace and are open to dialogue with India to address unresolved issues like Kashmir—based on UN Security Council resolutions and past commitments made by Indian leadership.”
He further added, “We are also open to discussions on water-related challenges, trade cooperation, and counterterrorism—if India is willing to engage sincerely. But if aggression continues, Pakistan will defend its sovereignty as it has done recently.”
Later in the day, PM Shehbaz and his delegation—which includes Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and other senior officials—were scheduled to meet with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei to discuss both bilateral and regional matters.
Prior to his Iran visit, PM Shehbaz completed a two-day trip to Turkiye, where he held high-level talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral trade and expressed mutual appreciation for each other’s support during recent regional tensions. The Turkish government saw off the Pakistani delegation with full diplomatic protocol at Istanbul Airport.
