Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in Tehran on Monday, where the two leaders discussed key bilateral, regional, and Islamic world matters, reaffirming their commitment to unity, peace, and cooperation.
The high-level meeting was held as part of Prime Minister Sharif’s official visit to Iran. He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep admiration for Ayatollah Khamenei, calling him a highly respected and influential figure in the Muslim world. "The Muslim world looks to you for guidance and moral leadership," Sharif said.
Briefing on Pakistan-India tensions
The PM briefed Ayatollah Khamenei on Pakistan’s recent tensions with India, highlighting New Delhi’s hegemonic policies and its aggressive posture. He thanked Iran for its unwavering support during times of conflict, especially in raising its voice against Indian aggression.
"Pakistan has always desired peace and stability in the region. We believe regional harmony is key to economic development and shared prosperity," PM Sharif stated.
Focus on strategic cooperation and nuclear diplomacy
Prime Minister Sharif briefed the Supreme Leader on the steps taken to promote Pakistan-Iran relations and said that Pakistan is committed to further strengthening strategic cooperation with Iran. He also praised the Iranian leadership’s diplomatic foresight in handling nuclear negotiations with the United States.
He expressed hope that a peaceful and constructive agreement would soon be reached between Tehran and Washington, saying such an outcome would significantly promote peace and stability across the region.
Supreme Leader praises Pakistan’s peace efforts
In response, Ayatollah Khamenei appreciated PM Shehbaz Sharif's farsighted efforts to promote regional peace and stability and praised his personal commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations. He also prayed for further prosperity and development of Pakistan and its people.
The Supreme Leader said Pakistan holds an important place in the Islamic world and that both nations must work together to end the Zionist occupation of Gaza and support the Palestinian cause.
Tribute to Allama Iqbal and invitation to Pakistan
The PM also expressed gratitude for the Supreme Leader’s admiration for Allama Iqbal, the poet-philosopher of the East. Sharif acknowledged Ayatollah Khamenei’s literary engagement with Iqbal’s poetry and philosophical thought, calling it a profound connection between the two nations.
In a symbolic gesture of goodwill, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited the Supreme Leader to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.
