ISLAMABAD(National Times)- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iran\u2019s President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday addressed a joint press briefing in Islamabad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Iranian president is on a one-day official visit to Pakistan at PM Shehbaz\u2019s invitation. The press briefing is taking place after the two leaders held a meeting at the Prime Minister House, which was followed by delegation-level talks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PM Shehbaz said he and President Pezeshkian held \u201cvery productive discussions in a very cordial atmosphere\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt was like a family reunion, and brothers were talking to each other with the fullest clarity and total commitment that we will do everything to strengthen our brotherly relations like never before,\u201d he remarked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He noted that Islamabad and Tehran have \u201cconsistently stood by one another in difficult times, and recent events have once again demonstrated beyond any ray of doubt the enduring strength of this brotherhood, this friendship and this partnership\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The premier began his speech by reciting an Iranian couplet on the themes of friendship during challenging times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PM Shehbaz described Pezeshkian as a \u201cvisionary and sagacious leader of a great country, Iran\u201d. \u201cBut you\u2019re a man of many talents and qualities \u2014 you are calm, you are wise and you are patient,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recalling the Iranian president\u2019s past treatment of patients in hospitals, PM Shehbaz congratulated him on \u201cthis very well-deserved conferment\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He termed today a \u201chistoric moment between Pakistan and Iran\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recalling the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed last week between the United States and Iran, the premier said it was \u201ca matter of great happiness that this war has come to an end, which could have engulfed the entire region and beyond\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The prime minister hailed the \u201csagacious\u201d leadership of Pezeshkian and his colleagues, and highlighted Pakistan\u2019s role as an \u201chonest and sincere mediator\u201d in the US-Iran peace process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PM Shehbaz also announced he would be undertaking a visit to Tehran next week to pay respects to late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and to \u201creaffirm and reassure Pakistan\u2019s solidarity with our brotherly people of Iran\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cZindabad dosti Pakistan o Iran<\/em>,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the outset of his address, PM Shehbaz referred to the US-Iran technical talks held in Switzerland and said, \u201cMy dear brother, we pray to Allah Almighty that God-willing, this arrangement will usher in a new era of peace, stability and prosperity for this entire region.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The prime minister also appreciated the \u201cwisdom and sagacity\u201d of Iran\u2019s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei for guiding the Iranian nation through \u201cthese very difficult and challenging times\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThroughout this crisis, the entire Iranian nation, our Iranian brothers and sisters, have demonstrated their unity with honour and dignity,\u201d he observed, praising their courage as \u201cawe-inspiring\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He went on to extend Pakistan\u2019s deepest condolences on the \u201closs of thousands of precious lives, including the late Khamenei, who was a great visionary leader and respected by all and sundry around the Muslim world\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The premier affirmed that the people of Pakistan share the grief of Iranians and stand in \u201ccomplete solidarity with the people of Iran\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYour happiness is our happiness. Your sorrow is our sorrow,\u201d PM Shehbaz remarked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIran\u2019s success is our success. Iran\u2019s loss is our loss,\u201d he added, inserting another Persian phrase in his speech. \u201cThis sentiment reflects deeply the feeling of the people of Pakistan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He highlighted that the two were \u201cfar more than just neighbours\u201d and bound together by shared history, faith and culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The premier extended his country\u2019s gratitude to the Iranian leadership for reposing their \u201cabiding trust in Pakistan to initiate and mediate this peace process\u201d. \u201cWe have done this act of mediation with fullest honesty of purpose and complete sincerity,\u201d he declared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He commended both the Iranian and US delegations for their \u201cserious and constructive participation\u201d in the Lake Lucerne Summit held in Switzerland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mentioning the \u201csupport and encouragement of many brotherly and friendly countries\u201d, PM Shehbaz thanked the Qatari emir\u2019s \u201cpivotal role\u201d and the \u201csteadfast support and encouragement\u201d of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egypt\u2019s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The prime minister also hailed the \u201cuntiring efforts [and] unwavering commitment\u201d of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEven during the dark days, he never wavered and, as a result, was instrumental in helping build the consensus that made this historic breakthrough possible by the grace of god,\u201d he emphasised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The premier went on to praise the \u201cdedicated efforts\u201d of Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his team at the Foreign Office (FO), as well as the \u201cvaluable contributions\u201d of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n President Pezeshkian began his address by reciting verses by renowned poet Allama Iqbal, which he said continued to inspire unity among Muslim nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He said the two nations \u201cdo not merely live next to each other, but they share a common destiny in the majority of their aspirations, concerns and hopes\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPakistan for us is not merely a neighbouring country; it\u2019s a brotherly and friendly country and has been an amicable companion and has had deep historical, cultural, religious and popular bonds between the two nations and these bonds have brought our nations closer,\u201d he highlighted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Noting that the relations between Islamabad and Tehran have always been consolidated on the basis of mutual respect, goodwill and historical trust, Pezeshkian said the \u201crecent developments have once again showcased the consolidation of this valuable asset\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The president stated: \u201cIn a critical historical juncture that the region is facing a multitude of challenges, the responsible and visionary role played by Pakistan in supporting the discussions and negotiations in de-escalating and strengthening the regional stability is a manifestation of a brotherly and futuristic attitude and viewpoint by this country towards the developments in the region.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He observed that Iran\u2019s acceptance of Pakistan\u2019s initiative was a \u201creflection of the ancient and age-old trust that the Iranian nation has towards the nation, the government and the authorities of Pakistan\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thanking the solidarity displayed by Pakistanis and the hospitality of the leadership here, Pezeshkian said he held \u201cconstructive meetings and discussions\u201d with PM Shehbaz, President Zardari and CDF Munir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn these discussions, we had many good points talks and discussed regarding the latest developments in the region and in the world and also regarding bilateral relations,\u201d he elaborated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pezeshkian observed that the two neighbours were \u201cadamant to use the positive existing atmosphere to usher in a new era and open a new chapter in the bilateral relations between the two countries and draw new horizons and new opportunities of cooperation based on shared interests\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe deeply believe that peace, stability, sustainable security, development and the welfare of nations in the strategic region of West Asia and the Persian Gulf can only be ensured through straightforward and honest discussions, intra-regional cooperation, interactions and cooperation based on mutual respect for the countries in the region,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The president added, \u201cBased on this fact, we stretch our hands of friendship to establish a common understanding and build a new security structure in the region for the countries in the region.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Addressing a delegation-level meeting earlier, PM Shehbaz said it was a \u201cgreat pleasure once again to welcome you to Pakistan\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He said Pezeshkian\u2019s acceptance of his invitation after the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding was a \u201cmatter of great happiness and satisfaction for all of us\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The premier requested Pezeshkian to convey his warm regards to Iran\u2019s supreme leader for his \u201csagacious leadership that Iran has been able to achieve this MoU and as a result, a ceasefire with dignity and honour\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He also offered his deepest condolences \u201con the killings of innocent Iranian brothers and sisters, children, which run into thousands of people\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PM Shehbaz said: \u201cYet, under your sagacious and very calm, visionary leadership, today, thanks to God, we are sitting here to peep into a very bright future, and I am very grateful to you and the Iranian leadership for having abiding trust in Pakistan\u2019s ability to mediate with honesty and sincerity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI want to assure you that as brothers, we will never let you down,\u201d he affirmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAs they say, true brotherhood doesn\u2019t have any questions to answer. And here we are,\u201d the prime minister said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He further assured the Iranian leader that Pakistan will \u201ccarry on this important role until we have everlasting peace in place, on terms and conditions which are dictated by dignity and honour\u201d. He also hailed the courage of Iranians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Highlighted the role and \u201coutstanding contribution\u201d of CDF Munir, he remarked: \u201cHe has toiled and worked untiringly through the nights, through those dark days with one mission: come what may, we will do everything humanly possible to stop this war, which can burn vast swathes of land and devastate everything.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The premier also appreciated the efforts of Dar and Naqvi for their \u201cfine shuttle diplomacy\u201d. \u201cIn that, brother Abbas Araghchi has played a pivotal role,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Earlier, the Iranian president was welcomed at the Prime Minister\u2019s House with a guard of honour, and the two held a meeting before delegation-level talks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Iran\u2019s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who was at the direct talks<\/a> held between the United States and Iran in Switzerland over the weekend, is also accompanying Pezeshkian during the visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At PM House, the Iranian president engaged in a bilateral meeting with PM Shehbaz, according to the Prime Minister\u2019s Office (PMO).<\/p>\n\n\n\n A statement from the PMO said that Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar were in attendance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It added that delegation-level talks would take place later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq were also expected to call on the Iranian president, according<\/a> to the Foreign Office (FO).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Iran\u2019s state media IRNA<\/em> reported that FM Araghchi held talks with President Zardari and PM Shehbaz \u201conly hours\u201d before Pezeshkian landed in Pakistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan\u2019s \u201cprincipled support for Iran\u2019s peace\u201d as President Pezeshkian paid a visit to Islamabad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In their meeting at Aiwan-i-Sadr, President Zardari welcomed his Iranian counterpart on his first state visit to Pakistan since the US-Iran war, the presidency said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe two leaders discussed bilateral relations, mainly regional peace and security, bilateral and regional connectivity, economic cooperation and other issues of mutual interest,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n President Zardari noted that the visit reflected the \u201clongstanding brotherly relations between the two countries and a desire to stay together in good and bad times\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He stressed that Pakistan has \u201cconsistently opposed one-sided initiatives and has supported dialogue and diplomacy as the means to achieve a durable and sustainable solution to regional and global challenges\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He also underscored Pakistan\u2019s \u201ccommitment to preserving the unity of the Muslim Ummah while maintaining strong fraternal relations with the countries of the Gulf region\u201d, the presidency said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n President Zardari congratulated Pezeshkian on the signing<\/a> of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding<\/a> between the United States and Iran and \u201cexpressed the hope that the ongoing technical-level negotiations would culminate in permanent peace in the region\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He reaffirmed Pakistan\u2019s \u201cprincipled support for Iran\u2019s peace, stability, national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The president again expressed his condolences on the \u201cmartyrdom of His Eminence Ali Hosseini Khamenei\u201d, who was assassinated<\/a> in US-Israeli strikes on Iran<\/a>, and said that Pakistan would participate in his funeral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its \u201cpositive and constructive efforts in support of peace and dialogue and appreciated the support extended by Pakistan during [the] recent challenging circumstances\u201d, the presidency said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Iranian president said his country \u201cattaches great importance to its relations with Pakistan and looks forward to further expanding cooperation in political, economic, security and regional matters\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n President Zardari requested President Pezeshkian to convey his warm regards to Iran\u2019s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Iranian president was accompanied by FM Araghchi, Chief of the President\u2019s Office Mohsen Haji Mirzaei, Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, Chief of Political Affairs of President\u2019s Office Saeed Abbas Mousavi and Iran\u2019s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghaddam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From the Pakistani side, Deputy PM and FM Ishaq Dar, PPP Chairman and former FM Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry, Senate Chief Whip Saleem Mandviwala and ex-senator Dr Asim Hussain were present during the meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n CDF Munir called on the Iranian president, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They exchanged views on \u201cregional developments and peace initiatives\u201d, the ISPR said in a statement<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n CDF Munir, along with PM Shehbaz, had participated in the US-Iran talks<\/a> in Switzerland, where they discussed a framework for regional peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both leaders have been involved in efforts to secure peace in the Middle East after the US-Iran war erupted on February 28 as US-Israeli strikes hit Tehran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During his meeting with the army chief, Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan\u2019s \u201cconstructive and responsible role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation, and regional stability\u201d, the ISPR said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It added that he acknowledged Pakistan\u2019s \u201cconsistent efforts to encourage peaceful resolution of disputes and foster understanding among regional stakeholders at a time of heightened geopolitical challenges\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On his part, CDF Munir reiterated Pakistan\u2019s unwavering commitment to peace and stability in the region, the statement noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBoth sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations and maintaining close consultations on issues of mutual interest, with the shared objective of advancing peace, prosperity and stability across the region,\u201d it read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pezeshkian and Araghchi arrived in Pakistan on separate flights earlier in the day. The Iranian president flew to the federal capital from Iran, while the foreign minister\u2019s last engagement was in Oman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n President Pezeshkian, upon his arrival at the Nur Khan airbase, was received by President Zardari, PM Shehbaz, Deputy PM Dar, Naqvi, Bilawal and Ambassador Moghaddam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n FM Araghchi, who had already landed in Pakistan, was also present to welcome his president.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pezeshkian was accorded a 21-gun salute, while fighter jets conducted a flypast in his honour, state-run APP<\/em> reported. The president waved in response to the children\u2019s welcoming slogans, it added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Upon his arrival at Rawalpindi\u2019s Nur Khan airbase earlier in the day, Araghchi was welcomed by Dar, Naqvi and Bilawal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe leadership and people of Pakistan extend a warm welcome to Foreign Minister Araghchi and the Iranian delegation to Islamabad,\u201d the FO said<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In an earlier statement, the FO noted Pezeshkian\u2019s visit was his second to Pakistan in his capacity as the president of Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It said the visit would provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, energy, border security, people-to-people exchanges and regional connectivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It also termed the visit an \u201cimportant opportunity to discuss ongoing diplomatic engagements following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe forthcoming visit reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Iran to further deepen their historic and cultural ties and underscores their common aspiration for peace, stability, and sustainable progress in the region,\u201d the FO added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Islamabad High Court (IHC) also cancelled judicial work for Tuesday, due to the closure of the Red Zone for the Iranian president\u2019s visit. A notification issued by the IHC said that Tuesday\u2019s cause list had been cancelled, adding that officials were directed to work from home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, it added that district courts would function as per routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) also announced the suspension of judicial work at its principal seat in Islamabad due to the closure of the Red Zone in Islamabad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cConsequently, the cause list of the Court stands cancelled. However, all officers and staff shall work from home and shall not leave the station. Besides, all four branch registries of the court shall remain open for judicial and administrative work,\u201d the notification said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Separately, the federal government issued a notification implementing a one-day \u201cwork from home\u201d directive for various ministries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a notification issued by Cabinet Division Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal, employees of ministries, divisions, and government offices located inside Islamabad\u2019s Red Zone will work remotely. Furthermore, autonomous bodies and attached departments operating within the Red Zone will observe a full holiday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, essential federal institutions and banks were exempted from this order. These included the Prime Minister\u2019s Office, the Senate, the National Assembly, the Cabinet Division, the Ministry of Finance and Revenue, the Federal Board of Revenue, and the ministries of foreign affairs, interior, commerce, industries, law, parliamentary affairs, and planning division, alongside all federal banking institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All bus terminals operating in the capital were closed <\/a>on Monday night as a security measure in view of the arrival of the Iranian president.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Officials of the capital administration and police said that the capital police, under directives from the capital administration, approached the managements of bus terminals in the capital, including those at Faizabad and Chongi No 26, and asked them to shut down their operations before midnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The managers were further asked to suspend their operations on Tuesday. The terminals will remain closed until the departure of the Iranian president. Besides, the Islamabad Red Zone has also been sealed as a security measure. Entry will be allowed only to concerned officials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further, Islamabad District Magistrate Irfan Nawaz Memon ordered the immediate closure of all popular hiking routes in the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The restriction applies to Trail 2, Trail 3, Trail 4, Trail 5, and the hiking tracks located behind Saidpur Village, remaining effective from Tuesday until further notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pezeshkian\u2019s visit follows key direct talks<\/u><\/a> \u2014 dubbed the \u201cLake Lucerne Summit\u201d \u2014 held between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, kicking off negotiations under the Islamabad MoU signed<\/u><\/a> on June 18.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Under the 14-point accord<\/u><\/a>, Washington and Tehran agreed on a framework to end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz<\/u><\/a> and negotiate on key issues within 60 days of the signing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The US-Iran talks in the Swiss resort of Burgenstock were mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir representing Pakistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Lake Lucerne Summit created a mechanism for further technical talks, which will continue this week, and also set up communication lines to end the fighting in Lebanon and to keep the vital Strait of Hormuz open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEncouraging progress has been made,\u201d the mediators said in their joint statement, including a contact channel set up to \u201cavoid incidents and miscommunication\u201d in the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A \u201cde-confliction cell\u201d between the parties and the Lebanese authorities has also been agreed upon to prevent fighting from erupting again.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" ISLAMABAD(National Times)- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iran\u2019s President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday addressed a joint press briefing in Islamabad. The Iranian president is on a one-day official visit to Pakistan at PM Shehbaz\u2019s invitation. The press briefing is taking place after the two leaders held a meeting at the Prime Minister House, which was […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":128163,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-128162","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-latest_news","entry"],"yoast_head":"\n<\/a>\u2018Age-old trust\u2019<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>\u2018We will never let you down\u2019<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>\u2018Principled support for Iran\u2019s peace\u2019<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>CDF Munir, Pezeshkian discuss \u2018peace initiatives\u2019<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Iran president, FM arrive<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>IHC, FCC cancel judicial work; govt tells Red Zone employees to work from home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Bus stands closed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>US-Iran talks in Switzerland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n