Shehbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, journeys to Iran following his trip to Turkey.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded his diplomatic visit to Tehran, Iran, on Monday, following a trip to Turkey where he met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The visit marked a continuation of the prime minister's strategic tour, which also included stops in Azerbaijan and Tajikistan, amid escalating tensions with India.
During his meeting with Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and deepening bilateral ties. PM Shehbaz commended Iran for its support during the recent escalation with India, and emphasized Pakistan's backing of Iran's peaceful nuclear program as well as the countries' shared cultural and historical ties.
In Iran, PM Shehbaz described Iran as his "second home," and pledged to enhance cooperation across various sectors. President Pezeshkian, in turn, praised Pakistan's diplomatic engagement during the South Asia tensions and urged both nations to continue dialogue for the resolution of outstanding issues, including Kashmir and water disputes.
Furthermore, the leaders discussed the ongoing conflict with India, with PM Shehbaz reiterating Pakistan's preference for peace while also defending the country's right to respond decisively when provoked. The prime minister noted that Pakistan seeks peace and a resolution of all outstanding issues in line with UN resolutions.
In addition to the meetings in Iran, PM Shehbaz's tour has focused on trade and economic cooperation, regional security and peace, climate action, and bilateral relations and support with the countries he visited. In Turkey, PM Shehbaz and President Erdogan discussed elevating their strategic partnership and enhancing bilateral trade and investment. In Tajikistan, the prime minister addressed climate issues, particularly criticizing India's actions on the Indus Waters Treaty.
PM Shehbaz's tour has been seen as an effort to consolidate regional alliances amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. As members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), both Iran and Pakistan 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.
- In the realm of general news, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's discussions during his visit to Iran also included the ongoing conflict with India.
- When addressing the media, PM Shehbaz expressed solidarity with Iran in the fight against war-and-conflicts, specifically referring to their shared stance on the atrocities in Gaza.
- Amidst the backdrop of business and economic conversations, PM Shehbaz's visit to Turkey focused on elevating their strategic partnership, which encompasses trade and investment.
- Meanwhile, during his meeting with Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, both leaders also discussed climate action, with a particular emphasis on India's actions regarding the Indus Waters Treaty.
- Entertaining activities or shows were not mentioned during PM Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Iran or any of the other countries, but his tour has been primarily centered on strengthening diplomatic and economic ties.
- In the realm of crime-and-justice, the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India have escalated to the point of car-accidents, as evidenced by the downing of five Indian fighter jets by Pakistan and subsequent retaliatory strikes.
