Pakistan, Iran set sights on broader bilateral engagement

September 01, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and Iran have vowed to deepen their close and longstanding ties, with both sides emphasizing the need to further strengthen bilateral relations across all areas of mutual cooperation, in line with decisions taken during President Masoud Pezeshkian's visit to Pakistan in June this year.

The commitment was expressed during a meeting between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Heads of States (CHS) meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.

The meeting was attended by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, SAPM Syed Tariq Fatemi, and Foreign Secretary Amb. Amna Baloch, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials were also present, said a press release issued.

The two leaders reviewed ongoing efforts to enhance regional connectivity and people-to-people contacts, and exchanged views on the evolving regional situation.

Noting that Pakistan would continue its sincere efforts for regional peace building, the Prime Minister observed that Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir's recent visit to Tehran and his constructive engagements augured well in this regard.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of restraint and sustained diplomatic engagement in achieving lasting peace and stability in the region, and highlighted the need to build on the understandings reached under the Islamabad MoU, calling it the only viable pathway toward enduring peace in the region.

President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan's consistent diplomatic efforts for regional peace and security, and highlighted the enduring strength of Pakistan-Iran relations, rooted in centuries of shared history, culture, and faith.

He affirmed Tehran's strong desire to further deepen cooperation across a wide range of sectors and stressed the need to forge unity among the Ummah to address contemporary challenges.

The Prime Minister extended an invitation to President Pezeshkian to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience, while the Iranian President invited the Prime Minister to the forthcoming ECO Summit in Tehran in December 2026.

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