TEHRAN – Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, accepted Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif on Monday to attend a conference that includes bilateral, regional and international issues.
Much of the leader’s statements focused on the Palestinian cause and how Islamic countries must join hands to end the Palestinian light-making. He particularly emphasized the “special status” of Pakistan in the Islamic world and the need for influential joint efforts between Iran and Pakistan to halt crimes of the Zionist regime in Gaza.
Ayatollah Khamenei pointed out that Pakistan has not joined the country’s row where Western badgers are constantly normalizing relations with Israel with the blatant betrayal of the Palestinian cause. “In recent years, there has been a temptation for Islamic countries to engage in Zionist regimes, but Pakistan has not succumbed to these temptations.”
He described the issue of Palestine as the most important concern in the Islamic world, noting the dire situation in Gaza, saying, “The situation in Gaza has reached the point where ordinary people in Europe and the US are protesting against the government, but unfortunately, under these circumstances, some Islamic governments beside the Zionist regime,
In a state of bilateral relations, Ayatollah Khamenei described them as “warm and brothers” for decades. Referring to Pakistan’s “admiration” stance in Iraq’s invasion of Iraq in the 1980s, as an example of this fraternal relationship, he assessed current cooperation between the two countries in various fields below the expected level, saying, “The two countries can support each other in many fields.
Sharif expressed great joy at meeting his leader on his side. He praised the positive role of the Republic of Iran in mitigating the crisis that has arisen between Pakistan and India, and mentioned recent developments in recent conflicts, referring to Gaza.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister also hoped that his constructive negotiations in Tehran pave the way for further strengthening relations between the two countries.
At another prominent meeting, President Sharif and Masuud Pezeshkian pledged to expand economic, security and cultural cooperation, emphasizing the need for greater solidarity and connections between Muslim countries.
The discussion highlighted the deep historical and religious connections between the two neighbors and shared frustration over the lack of economic integration in the Islamic world. “Europe has been able to erase borders and create a unified market, but still struggle to establish basic trade and scientific partnerships,” Pezeschkian said. “This is not just a setback. It’s a failure that we have to deal with in an urgent manner.”
The main focus was to boost bilateral trade. This is currently a modest $2 billion, which is far below that chance for analysts. Sharif argued that the figure could jump to $10 billion due to stronger bank links and political commitments. “Our shared history and resources demand closer collaboration,” he argued. “We cannot allow external forces to shape our future.”
For years, economic opportunities between Iran and Pakistan have been undeveloped. Pakistan’s energy shortage could be alleviated by Iran’s vast natural gas reserves, but Iranian manufacturers see a huge potential of 240 million people in Pakistan’s consumer market. The heart of these plans is the long-term Iranian-Pakistan gas pipeline, with US sanctions delaying $7 billion in projects over a decade.
Security was another important topic. Both countries face persistent threats from terrorist groups, urging agreements to strengthen intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism efforts.
The border between Iranian Sistan Balkestan and Pakistan Balochistan is home to both bustling transnational markets and a gathering of foreign terrorists targeting security forces and civilians on both sides.
“Terrorism is our common enemy,” Pezeschkian said. On his part, Sharif said he would never allow Pakistan to use soil against Iran. “We are ready to gain multi-faceted cooperation with Iran in our counterterrorism efforts,” he added.