Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday expressed Pakistan’s readiness to engage in comprehensive talks with India to resolve all outstanding disputes, including the Kashmir issue and water sharing arrangements, during his official visit to Iran.
The prime minister emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful resolution through dialogue while addressing a joint press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at Saadabad Palace in Tehran.
Speaking about regional tensions, PM Shehbaz stated Pakistan’s clear position: “We emerged victorious through our armed forces’ bravery in recent conflicts, but our preference remains peace through diplomatic engagement.”
He specifically referenced UN Security Council resolutions and India’s own 1954 parliamentary commitment to polls regarding Kashmir, while also expressing willingness to discuss water sharing, trade promotion, and joint counter-terrorism efforts conditional upon India’s seriousness in negotiations. The prime minister simultaneously issued a firm warning that Pakistan would defend its territorial sovereignty against any aggression, as recently demonstrated.
The visit, part of a four-nation gratitude tour following recent tensions with India, saw PM Shehbaz acknowledge Iran’s steadfast support during the military escalation. He particularly praised Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as an “outstanding diplomat” for his solidarity visit to Pakistan during the crisis period. Earlier ceremonial events included a guard of honor reception and productive delegation-level talks focusing on enhanced bilateral cooperation across trade, investment, and cultural spheres.
PM Shehbaz later met with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who commended Pakistan’s consistent efforts towards regional peace and stability.
The prime minister’s delegation comprises senior officials including Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Army Chief Gen Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. This Tehran stop follows a two-day visit to Türkiye where similar gratitude was expressed to President Erdogan for his support during the India-Pakistan tensions.