Pakistan ready for talks with India for sake of regional peace, says PM Shehbaz during Iran visit

TEHRAN: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said Pakistan was prepared to hold talks with India for the sake of regional peace, reiterating that the country desired peace and stability in South Asia.

“We want peace… we are ready to engage in dialogue for the resolution of all disputes, including the issue of Kashmir,” the premier said while addressing a joint press conference along with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran.

Following the conclusion of visit to Turkiye, the premier landed in Tehran as part of his four-nation tour to friendly countries, with aim to express his gratitude for supporting Pakistan during the recent conflict against India.

Upon his arrival, the prime minister was received by Iranian Interior Minister and Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan. A smartly turned-out contingent of the Iranian armed forces presented a guard of honour at the airport.

The prime minister is accompanied by a high-level delegation, comprising Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal General Asim Munir. Federal Ministers Mohsin Naqvi, Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi are also part of the delegation.

Speaking during the joint presser, the premier said that Pakistan is a peaceful country that seeks harmony in the region but warned that any act of aggression would be met with a strong and effective response.

He noted that his country was willing to hold discussions on key regional issues, including water sharing and counter-terrorism.

Commenting on Pakistan’s national security, PM Shehbaz commended the armed forces for their bravery and timely response during the recent conflict with India. “Our armed forces demonstrated exemplary courage,” he noted.

He also expressed gratitude to Iranian President Pezeshkian for his support and solidarity with Pakistan. “I appreciate the sentiments expressed by President Pezeshkian towards the people of Pakistan,” he said, adding that the two countries shared deep-rooted ties based on mutual respect and regional cooperation.

Highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to peace and development, the prime minister also reaffirmed Islamabad’s support for Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.

Speaking of the high-level delegation talks between the two nations, the premier said he had a productive and useful meeting with the Iranian President, covering all areas of mutual interest and cooperation.

“There was total agreement that the two brotherly neigbouring countries must enhance cooperation in diverse fields including trade, investment and economy,” he added.

He assured that Pakistan would work with Iran on all issues of mutual concern.

While welcoming the prime minister and his delegation, the Iranian President said Pakistan was an important neighbouring country and both countries enjoyed centuries old historical, cultural and civilizational links.

He said Pakistan and Iran shared common stance on important regional and international issues on different platforms including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The Iranian President said the two countries should cooperate on making their borders secure from the activities of terrorists and criminal groups.

“Peace and stability in Pakistan is in the interest of Iran. We believe that sustaining security and maintaining friendly and peaceful relations with neighbouring countries is in the interest of the two countries,” he continued.

He said Iran welcomed the ceasefire between Pakistan and India, adding settling issues through dialogue was essential for stability in the region.

“We believe that for ensuring security and stability in the region, neighbouring countries should hold dialogue and have positive consultations among each other and with the international partners.”

PM meets Iran’s Supreme Leader

Separately, PM Shehbaz also paid a courtesy call on Iran’s Supreme Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei and discussed matters of bilateral and regional interest.

He was accompanied by Field Marshal Asim Munir, Ishaq Dar, federal ministers Mohsin Naqvi and Attaullah Tarar.

During the call, the Prime Minister conveyed his deepest respect to the Supreme Leader underlining that he was an iconic figure in the Muslim World and the Muslim Ummah looked up to him for guidance and patronage.

The premier briefed him about recent conflict with India and India’s hegemonistic and revisionist designs and profusely thanked leadership of Iran for supporting Pakistan against Indian aggres