Pakistan, Iran reaffirm commitment to gas pipeline project

May 27, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and resolving the long-pending Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project through mutual consultations.

The agreement was reached during Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Tehran, where he held talks with Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian.

During the meeting, both leaders expressed a shared resolve to enhance regional cooperation, with a particular focus on the early resolution of the gas pipeline project.

Prime Minister Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s intention to increase bilateral trade and expand commercial collaboration with Iran, as per the press release issued.

The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to Iran’s leadership for its support during Pakistan’s recent conflict with India, and acknowledged Iran’s offer to mediate for peace in the region.

He highlighted India’s expansionist policies, describing them as a serious challenge to regional peace, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining the ceasefire.

Sharif emphasized the importance of historic, cultural, religious, and civilizational bonds between Pakistan and Iran and underlined the need to further deepen and broaden their bilateral relationship.

Addressing the regional security landscape, he warned that terrorism remains a grave threat and stressed the importance of joint efforts by both countries to counter the influence of external actors and effectively combat the menace.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the Kashmir dispute, urging for its resolution in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, as essential for long-term peace in South Asia.

President Masoud Pezeshkian welcomed the Pakistani delegation and expressed his willingness to cooperate on all fronts to ensure peace and stability in the region.

Both leaders agreed that a stable Afghanistan is vital to the broader stability of the region.

Prime Minister Sharif also condemned Israeli actions in Gaza, denouncing what he described as genocidal policies against the Palestinian people, and called for the implementation of a two-state solution in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.

Sharif extended an invitation to President Pezeshkian to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.

The Prime Minister’s visit came at the invitation of the Iranian President and he was accompanied by a high-level delegation including Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarrar, and Special Assistant Syed Tariq Fatemi.

Upon arrival at the presidency, the Prime Minister was received with a guard of honor, followed by an inspection of the troops and formal delegation-level discussions led by both heads of state.

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