Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has praised the deepening Pakistan-Iran relations, calling them stronger than ever. He said both nations have supported each other through every test and will keep standing side by side for the broader Muslim world.
Speaking to Iran’s official news agency IRNA, just before his official trip to Tehran, the prime minister expressed heartfelt thanks. He appreciated Iran’s diplomatic backing during recent tensions between Pakistan and India.
Sharif stressed that closer regional cooperation is vital. He highlighted that Pakistan-Iran relations have moved beyond words and now reflect real economic and political understanding.
“Iran and Pakistan have always stood together,” the prime minister said. “Today, this friendship is more solid than it ever was.” He recalled his warm meetings with late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Sharif called Raisi a farsighted and noble leader. “I had the honour of hosting him in Pakistan shortly before his tragic death,” he said. “We pledged to deepen Pakistan-Iran relations, and we are making real progress on that front.”
The premier is visiting Iran at the request of its newly-elected President Masoud Pezeshkian. Sharif said the main purpose of his visit is to express gratitude. “Iran supported us during our conflict with India and even offered to mediate,” he stated. “India chose to ignore that offer, but we highly value Iran’s efforts.”
He also said that India’s actions were aggressive. “India imposed war on us,” Sharif declared. “We responded firmly, yet responsibly, in full respect of international law.” He thanked President Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi for standing for peace and showing real diplomatic maturity.
Sharif praised Araqchi’s skills as a diplomat. He called him a wise figure who knows how to manage complex global challenges. The prime minister also spoke about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “Tehran and Islamabad remain united against Israel’s brutal war on Gaza,” he said. “We will always stand for justice and defend the oppressed.”
On economic matters, Sharif pointed out that Pakistan-Iran relations are not only political. They are economic too. He noted that both countries share a nearly 900-kilometre-long border. He said new development projects are underway in Pakistan’s Balochistan and Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan.
“We’ve signed many agreements,” he said. “Our trade volume is now $3 billion. But our goal is to reach $10 billion soon. We’re also working on a free trade agreement.” The prime minister said long-term economic partnership is the key to a stable future for both countries.
Speaking about Iran’s nuclear programme, Sharif restated Pakistan’s full support for Iran’s peaceful ambitions. He urged the revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). “Dialogue is the only path to peace,” he said. “I believe in the wisdom of Iran’s leaders. I hope the talks with the U.S. lead to a breakthrough.”
Sharif also raised long-standing issues facing the Muslim world. He mentioned Kashmir and Palestine. “These are the two open wounds of our time,” he said. “Until these issues are settled in line with the wishes of the people, true peace and justice will remain out of reach.”
The prime minister’s statements highlight the growing depth of Pakistan-Iran relations—built on mutual trust, economic cooperation, and shared goals for peace in the Muslim world.