Pakistan, Iran Set Sights on $10 Billion Trade Goal Amid Calls for Muslim Unity
ISLAMABAD – In a diplomatic show of solidarity and ambition, Pakistan and Iran on Sunday committed to raising bilateral trade to $10 billion “at the earliest,” during Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian’s official visit to Islamabad.
At a joint press briefing with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, both leaders announced the signing of multiple memoranda of understanding (MoUs), aiming to convert these into binding agreements to fast-track economic integration.
Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the shared vision between the two neighbors on critical regional issues, including terrorism, Palestine, and Kashmir. “No form of terrorism will be tolerated — whether on Pakistani soil or Iranian,” he declared.
Sharif also denounced the recent Israeli strike against Iran as “unprovoked and unjustified,” voicing Pakistan’s full solidarity with Tehran. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for Iran’s right to pursue peaceful nuclear technology under the UN Charter.
Addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the Prime Minister called for an immediate international ceasefire and hailed Iran’s “unwavering support” for the Palestinian cause. Drawing a parallel, he condemned continued human rights abuses in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), urging the global community to honor the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
President Pezeshkian, reciting verses of Allama Iqbal, called Pakistan a “brotherly nation,” not just a neighbor. He extended a formal invitation to Prime Minister Sharif for a follow-up visit to Iran.
Both sides reaffirmed commitments to border security and counterterrorism, and voiced strong opposition to Israeli actions in Gaza, urging greater unity among Muslim nations.
