Sharif vows continued mediation as Iran’s president visits Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on Tuesday that Pakistan will maintain its mediation role to secure “everlasting” peace in the region, following talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Islamabad. “We will carry on this important role until everlasting peace is in place on terms and conditions dictated by dignity and honour,” Sharif said. Pezeshkian’s visit is his first overseas trip since the US-Israel war against Iran began in February, which halted after Pakistan secured a ceasefire on April 8.

Clarification on ballistic missiles

Sharif clarified that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, signed by Pezeshkian and President Trump, did not include ballistic missiles. “It was never on the table; it was never on the agenda,” Sharif said. He rejected double standards, stating: “There cannot be double standards where some countries can have ballistic missiles and Iran shouldn’t have.” He thanked Turkish President Erdogan, Qatar’s Emir, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Egyptian President el-Sisi for their full backing of Islamabad’s mediation efforts, while warning against sabotage from those “unhappy with this armistice.”

Pakistan-Iran ties and upcoming visit

Sharif noted that Pakistan and Iran have always stood by each other in difficult times, and the two sides will work to strengthen trade, economy, investment, and other sectors. He announced he will visit Tehran next week and that a Pakistani delegation will attend the funeral of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who died in the war.