Pakistan, Iran strengthen ties with 12 agreements

August 4, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan and Iran have exchanged 12 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in various sectors.

The exchange ceremony took place in Islamabad in the presence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian.

The agreements and MoUs included cooperation in plant protection and quarantine, joint use of the Mirjaveh-Taftan border gate, collaboration in science and technology as well as partnership in information and communications technology.

Additional areas included exchange programs in culture, art, tourism, youth, mass media and exports, cooperation in meteorology, climatology and related hazards, maritime safety and firefighting, and judicial assistance in criminal matters.

Other MoUs included a supplemental agreement related to the 2013 air services agreement, mutual recognition of product certification, inspection and testing, a tourism cooperation plan for 2025–27.

Pakistan and Iran have also finalized the long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA), aiming to reach $10 billion in bilateral trade by 2028. This declaration was made during the Pakistan-Iran Business Forum in Islamabad, held as part of Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian’s official visit.

President Pezeshkian met with President Asif Ali Zardari to reaffirm cooperation across various sectors and discuss regional peace and security. President Zardari condemned Israeli aggression against Iran and praised Iran’s support for Kashmir.

Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan highlighted the importance of cross-border trade, especially for Balochistan, and called for swift development of additional border markets.

He also urged implementation of barter trade, removal of non-tariff barriers, and improved transport and customs coordination.

The forum emphasized investment opportunities in minerals, agriculture, and energy with both sides committing to policy reforms and private-sector collaboration.

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