1. Shehbaz Sharif Signals Willingness to Talk Peace with India
During an official visit to Iran on May 26, 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed Pakistan’s readiness to engage in meaningful dialogue with India. His statement came during a joint press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the historic Saadabad Palace in Tehran.
The premier emphasized resolving longstanding disputes—including Kashmir and water security—through peaceful negotiations, adding that Pakistan’s stance remained aligned with the UN Security Council resolutions. He stressed that Pakistan does not seek escalation, but will defend its sovereignty if provoked.
“We want peace and we are ready to talk. We will work through dialogue to resolve our outstanding issues,” Shehbaz stated. “If India chooses aggression, Pakistan will respond as we recently did. But if they accept peace, we will wholeheartedly pursue it.”
2. Deepening Bilateral Ties with Iran and Regional Allies
In Tehran, PM Shehbaz was warmly welcomed with a guard of honour and held high-level meetings with both President Pezeshkian and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He expressed deep gratitude to Iran for its diplomatic support during Pakistan’s recent military tensions with India.
The leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in various sectors, including trade, commerce, investment, and counter-terrorism. Shehbaz highlighted the strong cultural and historical ties between the two nations and called for translating these into deeper bilateral collaboration.
Addressing Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Shehbaz described him as an “outstanding diplomat” and appreciated his role in defusing tensions during the recent regional crisis.
3. Strategic Diplomacy Across the Region
PM Shehbaz’s visit to Iran is part of a broader four-nation diplomatic mission aimed at strengthening ties with countries that supported Pakistan during the India conflict. Before arriving in Tehran, the premier visited Turkiye, where he held talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The Pakistani delegation accompanying Shehbaz includes senior officials such as Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi.
In both Turkiye and Iran, Shehbaz underscored Pakistan’s desire for peace and regional stability. During his visit to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, he reiterated Pakistan’s preference for diplomacy over confrontation and expressed appreciation for Iran’s consistent solidarity.
