ISLAMABAD – August 4, 2025:
In a development that underlines the evolving regional alignments, Pakistan and Iran on Sunday agreed to ramp up their bilateral trade volume from the current $3 billion to a targeted $10 billion. The understanding emerged during wide-ranging discussions between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and visiting Iranian President Massud Pezeshkian, who is in Pakistan on his first official visit since taking office.
President Pezeshkian’s visit coming just weeks after the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel was seen as strategically timed, signaling Islamabad’s resolve to pursue an independent foreign policy even as global players push to isolate Tehran. In a rare gesture underscoring Pakistan’s desire for closer ties, Prime Minister Shehbaz himself received the Iranian president with a red-carpet welcome at Rawalpindi’s Nur Khan Airbase.
Formal talks were held at the Prime Minister’s House, covering a spectrum of issues including regional security, bilateral cooperation, and global affairs. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders first met one-on-one, followed by expanded delegation-level discussions. Senior Pakistani officials including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, cabinet members, and top bureaucrats joined the talks.
In their public remarks, Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding brotherhood with Iran, pledging unwavering solidarity with its leadership, military, and people. He also conveyed condolences over the Iranian losses during the recent conflict with Israel, and offered prayers for those injured.
Additionally, the premier expressed gratitude to Tehran for supporting Pakistan during periods of heightened tensions with India. He reiterated Pakistan’s backing of Iran’s right to a peaceful civilian nuclear program.
President Pezeshkian, for his part, thanked the people and government of Pakistan for their consistent support during the war with Israel, saying Iranians would not forget Islamabad’s solidarity in difficult times.
Beyond expressions of sympathy and political unity, both leaders put significant focus on economic ties. Prime Minister Shehbaz called for quickly convening the 22nd session of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission to operationalize trade and development opportunities. He stressed building cooperation in trade, connectivity, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
Several memoranda of understanding were signed to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors, including food exports, border market activation, barter trade initiatives, and easing non-tariff barriers. Both countries also pledged to expand quotas for rice, fruits, and meat exports in a bid to boost commerce.
On the regional front, Prime Minister Shehbaz commended Iran’s consistent support for the Palestinian cause, condemning ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza and calling for immediate humanitarian aid and a peaceful settlement under UN resolutions. He further thanked Tehran for standing by the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The two leaders closed their formal engagements with a luncheon hosted in honour of President Pezeshkian and his delegation, capping off a day that highlighted a new chapter in Pakistan-Iran relations a chapter where, both sides hope, trade and trust can move forward together.
