Iran’s Missile Capability Not Subject of Peace Talks: Shehbaz
News Desk
Islamabad: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has stated that Iran’s ballistic missile programme was neither discussed during negotiations nor included in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), asserting that Iran has the same right to maintain ballistic missiles for its defence as any other sovereign nation.
The remarks were made during a joint press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian following bilateral and delegation-level talks in Islamabad, where the two leaders reviewed Pakistan-Iran relations and exchanged views on regional developments.
Responding to a question from an Iranian journalist, the prime minister clarified that the ballistic missile issue was not part of the negotiations between Iran and the United States and is not mentioned in the Islamabad MoU.
“The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and the technical negotiations initiated under it are important milestones towards regional peace,” Shehbaz said. Questioning what he described as a double standard, he asked why Iran should be denied a defensive capability that other countries possess.
The prime minister said certain elements were attempting to undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the region. However, he added that peace-loving nations and people remained united in support of these initiatives.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/what-did-pm-shehbaz-tell-parliament-about-us-iran-talks/
Opening his remarks with a Persian verse, Shehbaz Sharif said true friendship is tested in difficult times. Addressing President Pezeshkian, he remarked, “Your happiness is our happiness, and your sorrow is our sorrow,” reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran.
He described his meeting with the Iranian president as cordial and productive, noting that both sides had agreed to further strengthen bilateral ties. According to the prime minister, the atmosphere of the meeting resembled a family gathering more than a formal diplomatic engagement.
Expressing condolences over the recent conflict involving Iran, Shehbaz said Pakistan was deeply saddened by the loss of innocent lives, particularly children. He also praised the resilience and determination demonstrated by the Iranian leadership and people during challenging circumstances.
Welcoming the ceasefire and the resumption of dialogue, the prime minister said the conflict had the potential to spread across the region and beyond, but diplomatic efforts had created fresh hope for peace.
He noted that Pakistan and Iran have consistently supported one another during difficult times and that recent developments had further strengthened the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. He expressed optimism that the technical talks set to begin in Switzerland would mark the start of a new era of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
The prime minister also thanked Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi for supporting peace efforts.
He additionally acknowledged the contributions of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Shehbaz Sharif announced that he would visit Tehran next week to meet the Iranian leadership and convey Pakistan’s message of solidarity to the Iranian people.
In his address, President Masoud Pezeshkian began by reciting verses of Allama Muhammad Iqbal and described Pakistan and Iran as more than neighbouring states, calling them brotherly nations bound by shared interests and a common future.
The Iranian president praised Pakistan’s role in promoting regional stability and reducing tensions, saying Islamabad had stood firmly with Tehran during difficult times.
He added that Iran’s confidence in Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts reflected the trust that has characterised relations between the two countries for decades.
