LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz held separate meetings on Monday with Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Reza Amiri Moghadam and Bangladesh Minister for Religious Affairs Dr Khalid Hussain to discuss promotion of bilateral relations, regional cooperation, trade, energy, education, and cultural exchanges.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan Iqbal Hussain Khan and Iranian Consul General in Lahore Mehran Movahed Far also attended. Welcoming the Iranian envoy, Nawaz Sharif highlighted the deep-rooted cultural and historical ties between Pakistan and Iran. He recalled his first official visit during President Rafsanjani’s tenure and appreciated Iran’s respect for Allama Iqbal, fondly remembered as Iqbal Lahori. He praised Iranian leadership as farsighted, extending solidarity during the recent Iran-Israel conflict.
“Pakistan’s economic conditions are improving by the grace of Allah Almighty. Unfortunately, ties with neighbours were strained under the previous regime, but now we aim to build better relations with all,” he said.
CM Maryam expressed gratitude for Iran’s support during the floods, praised its resilience, and shared that she had studied Persian during her academic years to deepen cultural understanding.
Ambassador Moghadam lauded Pakistan’s consistent support for Iran and hailed the strengthening of cultural and trade ties. He praised CM Maryam’s cultural initiatives and announced that Iran would celebrate Iqbal Day on November 9 while sending musical bands to Pakistan. He noted that over 300 Iranian students were studying in Pakistan, many of whom hold Nawaz Sharif in high regard. Commending Pakistan’s economic progress and Punjab’s relief work during floods, he said: “The people of Iran hold CM Maryam Nawaz in high esteem,” and urged further promotion of Persian in Punjab’s universities.
Separately, Nawaz Sharif and CM Maryam met Bangladesh’s Religious Affairs Minister Dr Khalid Hussain. During the meeting, Bangladesh announced 500 new scholarships for talented Pakistani students, underscoring its commitment to stronger ties. Nawaz Sharif said Pakistanis hold profound love for their Bangladeshi brothers and still regard MM Alam as a hero, stressing that it was time to enhance mutual cordial ties. He lauded Bangladesh’s rapid economic development. CM Maryam praised Bangladesh’s achievements in garments, microfinance, and women’s empowerment, and proposed cooperation in green energy, flood management, and agricultural sustainability. She said Punjab was committed to turning Pak-Bangladesh friendship into a lasting partnership for peace and prosperity.
Dr Khalid Hussain paid tribute to Nawaz Sharif’s services, saying they would be written in golden words, and expressed admiration for CM Maryam’s leadership. High Commissioner Iqbal Hussain Khan recalled Nawaz’s historic decision on nuclear tests, noting that the new generation of Bangladesh holds him in high esteem. He also acknowledged Maryam Nawaz’s welfare efforts, saying both the people and government of Bangladesh greatly value her public service.
Meanwhile, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz, in her message on Pakistan Navy Day, paid glowing tribute to the martyrs, officers, and sailors of the Pakistan Navy. She said the entire nation takes pride in every officer and soldier of the Navy, whose martyrs “wrote a story of courage and sacrifice with their blood.” She remarked that the stormy waves of the sea bear witness to the determination and independence of Pakistan Navy.
The CM stated that the Navy’s role extends beyond national defence to safeguarding global peace and Pakistan’s prestige. She added that the sons of the Navy have the full capability to crush the enemy’s nefarious designs and that the heart of every Pakistani child beats with pride for the naval guards.