Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a significant meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The discussion focused on the urgent need for restraint, de-escalation, and sustained diplomatic efforts to secure lasting peace and stability in the region.
The meeting included key Pakistani officials such as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, alongside senior representatives from both countries. The leaders reaffirmed the deep-rooted and longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Iran, emphasizing the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation across all areas of mutual interest.
PM Shehbaz highlighted the critical role of implementing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to playing a sincere and constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability. President Pezeshkian acknowledged Pakistan’s principled diplomacy and persistent efforts toward regional security. He emphasized the enduring strength of Pakistan-Iran ties, grounded in shared history, culture, and faith, and expressed Tehran’s strong desire to expand multifaceted cooperation.
Both sides agreed to maintain regular consultations and close coordination to work collectively for peace, security, and prosperity in the region. Speaking to the press after the meeting, PM Shehbaz revealed that detailed discussions had taken place, with President Pezeshkian affirming Tehran’s continued acceptance of the Islamabad agreement and willingness to advance it.
The prime minister also noted ongoing efforts to resolve provocations in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with friendly nations collaborating to prevent further escalation. He assured that Pakistan’s military and political leadership remain dedicated to peace initiatives, crediting their combined diplomatic efforts for progress so far.
Addressing terrorism, PM Shehbaz stated that militants operating from Afghan territory continue to launch attacks against Pakistan, but the country is responding firmly and decisively to these threats.
This meeting occurred amid stalled negotiations between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the conflict that erupted on February 28, following coordinated US-Israeli strikes targeting Iran’s leadership and infrastructure. Iran retaliated with operations disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Israeli and US targets, while the US imposed shipping blockades on Iranian ports.
Pakistan played a pivotal role in mediating a ceasefire announced on April 8, which was followed by intensive 21-hour talks in Islamabad. The US and Iran signed the Islamabad MoU on June 18, with PM Shehbaz acting as mediator alongside US President Donald Trump and President Pezeshkian. However, hostilities resumed in July, with both sides accusing each other of violating the agreement.
Leave an opinion