Shehbaz Sharif backs Iran’s nuclear rights, calls out Israeli aggression during Pezeshkian visit
ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has voiced strong support for Iran’s right to pursue nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, aligning with international law and the UN Charter. His statement came during a joint press conference with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, who arrived in Pakistan on Sunday for a two-day official visit.
“Iran has every right to nuclear technology, provided it’s used peacefully. Pakistan stands with Iran on this matter,” Shehbaz said, emphasizing the country’s consistent stance on non-discriminatory nuclear rights.
The Pakistani premier also condemned recent Israeli strikes on Iran, terming them “unprovoked and totally unjustified.” He said the attacks were denounced not only by the Pakistani leadership but also by its citizens.
Highlighting shared views on security, Shehbaz noted that both Islamabad and Tehran are united in rejecting terrorism in all forms, on either side of the border.
The prime minister also addressed the humanitarian crises in Gaza and Kashmir, calling for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and reaffirming Pakistan’s unshakable support for the Palestinian cause. Drawing a parallel, he criticized Indian actions in IIOJK, saying the Kashmiri people must be allowed to exercise their right to self-determination.
President Pezeshkian, in return, appreciated Pakistan’s friendship and quoted Allama Iqbal’s poetry to emphasize unity and brotherhood. “We see Pakistan not just as a neighbour, but as a brother,” he stated, expressing Iran’s interest in deepening ties in trade, culture, and regional security.
Both leaders witnessed the signing of several bilateral agreements and vowed to push forward economic cooperation.
Boost in Bilateral Trade
Pakistan and Iran also agreed to increase annual bilateral trade to $8 billion, with a focus on regional connectivity and economic development. The agreement was reached during talks between Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Iran’s Industry Minister Mohammad Atabak.
The two ministers agreed to fast-track projects under the Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission and enhance collaboration in sectors like agriculture, energy, logistics, and IT.
They also pledged to combat cross-border smuggling and promote legal trade routes—an area where recent anti-smuggling measures in Pakistan had boosted legal imports by over 300%.
Additionally, the defence ministers of both countries met in Islamabad to discuss ways to strengthen military cooperation and enhance joint efforts against terrorism.
President Pezeshkian was welcomed with a red carpet at Nur Khan Airbase and received by top government officials. At the PM’s House, he was given a guard of honour and planted a commemorative sapling as a symbol of friendship.
He is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials, and is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari and other dignitaries before concluding the visit.