26-05-2025
Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif visits Iran after Turkey trip
ALBAWABA- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Tehran on Monday, just a day after concluding his visit to Turkey, where he met with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Also Read Indians call for Turkey tourism boycott amid India-Pakistan war
He held a joint press conference in Tehran with Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, reinforcing Pakistan's commitment to regional peace and deepening Pakistan-Iran relations.
President of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian and Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif giving joint press statement, after delegation level talks, at Sa'dabad Palace in Tehran.#PMShehbazInIran 🇵🇰🇮🇷 — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 26, 2025
Describing Iran as his "second home," PM Shehbaz thanked Tehran for its support during the recent escalation between Pakistan and India.
He reiterated Pakistan's backing of Iran's peaceful nuclear program and emphasized the countries' 'deep-rooted cultural and historical ties.' Both leaders pledged to enhance cooperation across various sectors.
'The decision to strengthen these relations through broader cooperation marks a new chapter in Pakistan-Iran ties,' Shehbaz said. He also acknowledged President Pezeshkian's diplomatic engagement during the South Asia tensions, praising Iran's concern for Pakistan's security.
Touching on the conflict with India, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan's preference for peace but defended the country's right to respond decisively when provoked. 'Pakistan seeks peace and wants a resolution of all outstanding issues, including Kashmir, in line with UN resolutions,' he noted.
President Pezeshkian welcomed the recent Pakistan-India ceasefire and urged both nations to continue dialogue. He also condemned Israeli actions in Gaza and criticized Western silence, calling it 'morally indefensible.' Also Read Iran won't stop uranium enrichment to reach agreement with US
As members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), both Iran and Pakistan, he said, are united in denouncing the atrocities in Gaza.
The Prime Minister's visit to Iran and Turkey follows heightened tensions with India, including the downing of five Indian fighter jets by Pakistan and retaliatory strikes after cross-border escalations.
His diplomatic tour is seen as an effort to consolidate regional alliances amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
