Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with Iranian President Dr. Masoud Peshkeshian on the sidelines of the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State meeting. The discussion highlighted Pakistan-Iran relations and reaffirmed Islamabad’s resolve to deepen cooperation with Tehran.
Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir, and several federal ministers also attended the talks. Their presence underlined the seriousness of Pakistan’s approach towards its western neighbor.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of strengthening political and economic partnership. He said Pakistan-Iran relations are built on shared history, culture, and faith. “Pakistan remains committed to peace and stability in the region. Dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward to reduce tensions and ensure lasting stability,” Shehbaz noted while extending solidarity with the Iranian nation.
Both sides reviewed progress in bilateral initiatives and expressed satisfaction with the current momentum of cooperation.
President Peshkeshian acknowledged Pakistan’s continuous support and pledged stronger engagement in diverse fields. He also extended condolences over the loss of lives and property caused by recent floods in Pakistan. The Iranian leader assured that his country stands firmly with Pakistan in this difficult time, a gesture that reinforced the depth of Pakistan-Iran relations.
The Prime Minister’s presence in Tianjin also attracted international attention. He was warmly received by Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan, reflecting the enduring strength of the Pakistan-China partnership.
During the SCO summit, Shehbaz held formal meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. These engagements emphasized Pakistan’s active role in the regional bloc.
In addition, he held informal exchanges with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Officials noted that the warm response by world leaders reflects Islamabad’s strong bilateral connections both within and beyond the SCO framework.
The growing international acknowledgment of Pakistan’s diplomacy shows the centrality of Pakistan-Iran relations in regional stability, especially in countering India’s divisive influence.
