PM Shehbaz says Iran ballistic missile programme not part of Islamabad MoU

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) did not mention Iran’s ballistic missile programme, stressing that the issue “was never on the table” and “never on the agenda” during negotiations.

Addressing a joint press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz said there should be no double standards regarding missile capabilities, adding that “some countries should not have ballistic missiles while Iran should not.”

The prime minister thanked the Iranian leadership for placing its trust in Pakistan’s role as an honest mediator, saying the agreement had helped pave the way for a ceasefire.

“I am very grateful to the Iranian leadership for having trust in Pakistan’s ability to mediate with honesty,” he said, adding, “as brothers, we will never let you down.”

He conveyed his regards to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, saying his leadership had enabled Iran to reach the Islamabad MoU and, subsequently, “a ceasefire with dignity and honor.”

Expressing condolences over civilian casualties in the recent conflict, he said Pakistan stood with the Iranian people. “We offer our deepest condolences on the killing of innocent Iranian brothers and sisters, including children, whose numbers have reached into the thousands,” he said.

The premier said the two countries will save the Islamabad MoU from spoilers.

“There is no dearth of spoilers around the globe who are deeply dejected over this truce that can lead to lasting peace and prosperity and create unnecessary doubts and confusion,” the Prime Minister said. “President Masoud Pezeshkian and I are completely resolved to remain iron walls against those spoilers.”

The prime minister also expressed confidence in Iran’s future economic prospects, saying the country would transform into “one of the fastest-growing economies in the world” under its current leadership.

The prime minister thanked the Iranian leadership for placing its trust in Pakistan to facilitate the peace process and commended both Iranian and American delegations for their constructive participation in technical talks held in Switzerland.

He also acknowledged the support of regional leaders, including Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi for encouraging peace efforts.

Speaking on the occasion, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for the establishment of a new regional security architecture in Western Asia and the Persian Gulf based on dialogue, mutual respect and cooperative engagement among regional states.

He praised Pakistan’s role in supporting de-escalation efforts and regional consultations, describing it as a “responsible and visionary” contribution to stability.

Pezeshkian said Iran and Pakistan share deep historical, cultural and fraternal ties, adding that both countries can serve as a model for broader regional cooperation and work together to advance peace, development and economic connectivity.

Quoting verses of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, whom he referred to as “Iqbal Lahori,” the Iranian President said the poet’s message of unity among Muslim nations remained as relevant as ever.

“The two nations do not merely live next to each other; they share a common destiny in their aspirations, concerns and hopes,” he said.

President Pezeshkian was welcomed at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad with a guard of honour, as he paid a brief visit to Pakistan on Tuesday, a day after Iran and the United States held high-level talks in Switzerland.

The Iranian president visited Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

He was received and welcomed by President Asif Ali Zardari, PM Shehbaz and Deputy PM/ Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at the airport.

Upon his arrival, the Iranian president was accorded a 21-gun salute, while children dressed in traditional attire presented him with bouquets of flowers.

Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir also called on the Iranian president, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

During the meeting, the two leaders exchanged views on regional developments and ongoing peace initiatives, according to an ISPR statement.

CDF Munir, along with PM Shehbaz, participated in direct talks between the United States and Iran held in Switzerland over the weekend, where the two sides discussed a framework for regional peace.

Both leaders have been engaged in efforts to promote peace in the Middle East following the outbreak of the US-Iran war on February 28, when US-Israeli strikes targeted Iran cities.

During the meeting, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive and responsible role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation, and regional stability,” the ISPR said.

He also acknowledged Pakistan’s “consistent efforts to encourage the peaceful resolution of disputes and foster understanding among regional stakeholders at a time of heightened geopolitical challenges”.

For his part, CDF Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to regional peace and stability, the statement said.

“Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations and maintaining close consultations on issues of mutual interest, with the shared objective of advancing peace, prosperity and stability across the region,” the ISPR added.

It is pertinent to mention that a squadron of Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder fighter jets also rendered a ceremonial salute in the honour of visiting dignitary.

Dr Pezeshkian was accompanied by a high-level delegation during his visit, including ministers and other high-ranking officials.

During the visit, President Pezeshkian met President Zardari and held talks with the prime minister.

During the visit, the two sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explored new avenues to further deepen cooperation across diverse sectors, including trade, energy, border security, people-to-people exchanges, and regional connectivity.

The visit also provided an important opportunity to discuss ongoing diplomatic engagements following the signing of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest.

The visit reflected the shared commitment of Pakistan and Iran to further deepening their historic and cultural ties, and it underscored their common aspiration for peace, stability, and sustainable progress in the region.

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad today as part of the delegation accompanying Pezeshkian.

Upon arrival at Nur Khan Airbase, Araghchi was warmly received by DPM Dar.