PM vows Pakistan will never let Iran down

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday expressed gratitude to Iran’s leadership for its confidence in Pakistan’s role as a mediator, saying Islamabad would persist with its diplomatic efforts “until everlasting peace is achieved” and vowed that Pakistan would “never let Iran down.”

Speaking at delegation-level talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Prime Minister Shehbaz welcomed the president and his delegation, calling the visit a matter of “great happiness and satisfaction” following the Islamabad memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran.

The prime minister also conveyed warm regards to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Ali Khamenei, praising what he called his “sagacious leadership” and crediting that leadership for enabling Iran to reach an understanding and a ceasefire “with dignity and honour”. He also offered condolences over the loss of civilian lives during the recent hostilities.

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“With your calm and visionary leadership, today we are able to look towards a very bright future,” he said, adding that he was grateful to the Iranian leadership for its “abiding trust in Pakistan’s ability to mediate with honesty and sincerity”. He stressed that, as a “brotherly country”, Pakistan would not let Iran down.

He said the relationship between the two countries was rooted in “true brotherhood”, adding that it required no further justification or explanation.

Pakistan, he added, would continue its facilitation efforts until a durable and dignified peace was achieved.

The prime minister also praised the resilience of the Iranian leadership and people.

He also highlighted the role of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, describing his contribution to the ceasefire process and the MoU as “outstanding”.

He said that Gen Munir had worked “through the nights and dark days” with the objective of preventing further escalation.

Sharif also acknowledged the efforts of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, as well as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

He further expressed gratitude to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt for their support during the diplomatic engagement.

Looking ahead, the prime minister said Pakistan and Iran would work to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, economic ties and reconstruction efforts.

“Iran and Pakistan today are brothers and friends forever,” he said. “We will share our joys and sorrows and work together for peace, stability and progress not only in this region but also across the wider Middle East, Gulf and South Asia.”

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026