ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran Sunday signed 12 agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing cooperation across various sectors.
The development came during Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian’s official meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari in the federal capital.
The ceremony for exchange of agreement documents was held in the presence of PM Shehbaz Sharif and President Masoud Pezeshkian. The agreements included cooperation for plant protection and plant quarantine, joint use of Mirjaveh-Taftan border gate, collaboration in science & technology and innovation, cooperation in information and communications technology, exchange programmes for culture, art, tourism, youth, mass media and exports, cooperation in meteorology, climatology and related hazards, MoUs on maritime safety and firefighting, judicial assistance in criminal matters, supplemental MoU to an MoU in 2013 related to air services agreement, MoU on recognition of products certification, inspection and testing, tourism cooperation for 2025-27 and joint ministerial statement on the intent to finalise Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
While speaking at a joint presser with the visiting Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian at the PM House, Shehbaz Sharif expressed Pakistan’s support to Iran to pursue nuclear power for peaceful purposes in the light of the United Nations Charter.
“I understand that Pakistan fully supports Iran’s principled stand on peaceful use of nuclear power as per the UN Charter,” the PM said.
PM Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the recent unprovoked Israeli aggression against Iran, calling it unjustified and denouncing it on behalf of the entire Pakistani nation. He praised Iran’s leadership for responding with courage and strategic wisdom, commending their effective retaliatory missile strikes that exposed Israeli defence vulnerabilities.
Expressing condolences over the martyrdom of Iranian generals, scientists and civilians, the prime minister offered prayers for the departed souls and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
On regional issues, Shehbaz said Pakistan and Iran’s shared stance against terrorism in all forms, whether on Pakistani or Iranian soil. Speaking on Gaza, he called for an immediate international ceasefire and praised Iran’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Palestine, condemning the ongoing genocide and highlighting Pakistan’s recent advocacy at the UN Security Council.
Drawing parallels with Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the PM said Kashmiris too face severe oppression, and he urged for their right to self-determination. He thanked Iran for its continued support for the Kashmiri cause.
Highlighting bilateral ties, Shehbaz said Pakistan and Iran are committed to increasing trade volume to $10 billion. He noted the signing of multiple agreements and MoUs aimed at transforming mutual potential into practical economic cooperation.
The Iranian president thanked the people and Government of Pakistan for standing with Iran during the recent Israeli aggression and extended the message of unity and brotherhood to Pakistan by reciting Allama Iqbal’s poetry.
Condemning the Israeli aggression and genocide in Gaza and steps to destabilise the region, the Iranian president said the two sides believed that the association and cooperation among the Muslim countries were needed to take shape to counter expansionist designs of the Zionist regime and ensure stability in the region.
He said Iran and Pakistan had asked the global bodies to shun the double standards and stop the spillover of war, violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the countries.
The Iranian president said his country views Pakistan not only as a neighbour but as a brother. He said there were serious and joint efforts to deepen bilateral relations in all dimensions and the agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) exchanged on Sunday were a manifestation of the same endeavour.
He said the bonds of affinities and affection between the two countries and nations were deeply rooted in religion, culture and history, citing poetic verses of Allama Iqbal, in which he stressed unity among the Muslim countries. He expressed his satisfaction that fortunately, serious and sincere efforts were being initiated by both sides for cooperation in diverse field, and to take their current trade volume of $3 billion dollars to the projected target of 10 billion dollars.
Dr Pezeshkian extended invitation to PM Shehbaz Sharif to visit Iran for renewing talks and following up on the progress made in bilateral relations so far. He also thanked the PM for according warm hospitality to him and his delegation.
PM Shehbaz Sharif warmly received President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr Masoud Pezeshkian upon his arrival at the PM House. Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, federal ministers and Field Marshal Asim Munir were also present.
The Iranian president planted a commemorative sapling in the garden of PM House. The PM also introduced the guest to the members of federal cabinet.
Separately, Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian called on President Asif Ali Zardari at the Aiwan-e-Sadr and the two leaders reaffirmed their resolve to deepen bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors and jointly promote peace and stability in the region.
Both leaders stressed the importance of strengthening ties in mutually beneficial areas and called for coordinated diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional conflicts and enhance security.
President Zardari welcomed Dr Pezeshkian and underscored the deep-rooted fraternal ties between the two nations, grounded in shared religion, culture, and mutual respect. He praised Iran’s principled stance on regional issues and expressed gratitude for its consistent support, particularly during Pakistan’s challenging times. He also condemned the recent unprovoked Israeli aggression against Iran and commended the Iranian nation’s resilience during the 12-day conflict. He thanked Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei for his steadfast support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
President Pezeshkian thanked the Pakistani leadership and public for their solidarity during the recent hostilities and appreciated Islamabad’s constructive advocacy for diplomacy and peaceful resolution of disputes. He expressed the hope that his visit would further strengthen the longstanding brotherly ties between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani met visiting Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian at the Parliament House, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to stronger bilateral ties, regional peace, and inter-parliamentary cooperation.
Welcoming the Iranian leader, Gilani expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen the brotherly bond between the two nations. He congratulated Iran on its historic success in the recent conflict with Israel, noting that Pakistan was among the first countries to support Iran’s right to self-defence under the UN Charter. “We fully support Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he stated.
He thanked Iran for its continued hospitality toward Pakistani pilgrims visiting religious sites annually.
President Pezeshkian praised Pakistan’s support during the Iran-Israel conflict, especially the parliamentary resolution condemning Israeli aggression. He stressed the importance of mutual trust, shared heritage and a joint commitment to peace and cooperation.
The meeting, also attended by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Senator Irfan Siddiqui and MNA Naveed Qamar, concluded with a shared vision of fostering lasting peace and regional prosperity through dialogue and unity.
Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq met Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian and reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening collaboration between the National Assembly of Pakistan and Iran’s Islamic Consultative Assembly.
Both sides agreed to enhance parliamentary exchanges and promote cooperation in legislation, economic development, security and regional peace. Commending the leadership of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and President Pezeshkian during the recent Iran-Israel conflict, Sadiq recalled the National Assembly’s unanimous resolution of June 13, 2025, expressing solidarity with Iran. He condemned the Israeli aggression as a violation of international law and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also expressed appreciation for Iran’s support of Operation Bunyanam Marsoos.
President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its unwavering solidarity and warm hospitality, calling it a reflection of the enduring bond between the two nations. He lauded Pakistan’s principled stance during difficult times and affirmed Iran’s commitment to continued cooperation and regional peace.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan met Iranian Minister for Industry, Mines and Trade Mohammad Atabak on the sidelines of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s official visit to Pakistan, said a release issued here. He said Pakistan is ready to deepen its economic relationship with Iran through structured channels like the Joint Economic Commission (JEC), regular B2B exchanges, and sector-focused delegations.
Both ministers agreed on the importance of identifying specific sectors such as agriculture, livestock, services, energy, and cross-border logistics for future collaboration.
Iranian Minister for Roads & Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh participated in a joint session held with Federal Ministers for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, and Railways Hanif Abbasi.
The discussions focused on strengthening the longstanding friendly and bilateral relations between the two countries, particularly by enhancing transportation, connectivity network and road infrastructure, said a press release issued here on Sunday.
During the meeting, interest was expressed by Iran in joining the Silk Road initiative with Pakistan and China and expanding maritime trade via the Gwadar-Chabahar Route was discussed.
Welcoming the Iranian delegation, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan congratulated Iran on its great success and firm stance against Israel, describing it as a matter of pride and solidarity for the entire Muslim world.
He stressed that Pakistan and Iran have always stood by each other while recent developments have brought the two nations closer.
Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan invited the Iranian Minister for Roads and Urban Development to attend the upcoming Ministerial Conference in Pakistan on October 23-24, which will be hosted by Pakistan and ministers from 20 countries be participating.
In response, the Iranian Minister Ms Farzaneh Sadegh expressed her deep appreciation for Pakistan’s support against Israeli aggression and extended sentiments of goodwill to the people of Pakistan. The Iranian minister highlighted the need to increase the number of vehicles operating between Iran and Pakistan and suggested modernizing the current Quetta-Zahedan route.
Federal Minister Communications Abdul Aleem Khan proposed forming bilateral working groups to accelerate the implementation of agreed initiatives.
Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to review the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul Railway Projects, adding that the Quetta-Zahedan Railway Line would be upgraded and expanded to improve regional connectivity.
In response, Iranian Minister Ms Farzaneh Sadegh thanked her Pakistani counterparts and assured full cooperation from her country.
