Pakistan, Iran Vow to Resolve Gas Pipeline Project, Deepen Bilateral Ties

Tehran:  Pakistan and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to an early resolution of the long-pending Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project through mutual consultations. The resolve was expressed during a high-level meeting between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran.

The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, energy, regional peace, and counterterrorism. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s desire to expand the volume of bilateral trade and deepen economic ties with Iran.

He expressed gratitude to the Iranian leadership for its solidarity during Pakistan’s recent tensions with India and welcomed Tehran’s offer to mediate for regional peace. The Prime Minister also briefed President Pezeshkian on India’s expansionist designs, warning that they posed a threat to regional stability. He emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to upholding the ceasefire.

Highlighting the shared civilizational, cultural, religious, and historical bonds between the two countries, Prime Minister Sharif stressed the need to further strengthen these relations. He also underscored that terrorism remained an existential threat to the region, and called for enhanced Pakistan-Iran cooperation to counter external actors and eliminate the menace.

The Kashmir issue also came under discussion, with the Prime Minister emphasizing that a just resolution based on the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant UN Security Council resolutions was crucial for lasting peace in South Asia.

On global issues, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned Israel’s atrocities in Gaza and urged the international community to halt its genocidal policies. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for a two-state solution as per UN resolutions.

President Pezeshkian welcomed the Pakistani delegation and assured full Iranian cooperation for peace and stability in the region. Both leaders agreed that stability in Afghanistan was essential for broader regional progress.

Prime Minister Sharif extended an invitation to President Pezeshkian to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.

The Prime Minister is in Iran on the invitation of President Pezeshkian. He is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and SAPM Syed Tariq Fatemi.

Upon arrival, the Prime Minister was presented with a guard of honour and inspected the ceremonial guard. The meeting was followed by delegation-level talks headed by both leaders.