Amidst tensions with India, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif embarked on a high-level visit to Tehran, Iran's capital, where he met with the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. The discussions focused on the challenges faced by the Muslim community, regional stability, and strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
Shehbaz Sharif regarded the meeting with Ayatollah Khamenei as an honor, seeking his insights on the current problems facing the Muslim world. Additionally, they exchanged views on regional and bilateral matters.
Sharif praised Iran's mediating role during the recent tensions in South Asia. In an X post, he stated, “I feel honored to meet His Excellency Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. I sought his views specifically on the current challenges facing the Muslim Ummah. We exchanged thoughts on bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest. I thanked him for Iran's role as a mediator during the recent crisis in South Asia and for expressing concern for Pakistan.”
Accompanying Prime Minister Sharif on this visit were Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Home Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar, and Prime Minister's Special Advisor Tariq Fatemi.
Earlier, Sharif visited Turkey before arriving in Tehran. At Tehran's Saadabad Palace, he was welcomed by Iranian President Masoud Pesheškian, receiving a guard of honor. The leaders engaged in formal talks, where in a joint press conference, Sharif expressed Pakistan's readiness for peace talks with India. He stated, “We want to resolve all issues including Kashmir and water disputes through dialogue. We are ready to discuss trade and anti-terrorism efforts with India.”
