Islamabad MoU to help rebuild Iran: PM tells Pezeshkian

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday held their first telephone conversation since the signing of the historic Islamabad Peace Deal, with both leaders expressing optimism that the agreement would help restore regional stability and deepen bilateral cooperation. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the call lasted more than 30 minutes and focused on the recently signed Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Washington and Tehran. During the conversation, PM Shehbaz congratulated President Pezeshkian, the Iranian leadership and the people of Iran on the signing of the landmark agreement. He said the deal would not only contribute to peace and stability in the region but would also play a significant role in Iran’s reconstruction and further strengthen Pakistan-Iran relations across all areas of mutual interest. The prime minister also conveyed his respectful regards to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei. Welcoming Iran’s decision to sign the agreement, PM Shehbaz expressed confidence in the next phase of negotiations and assured Tehran of Pakistan’s continued support as a brotherly and neighbouring country. On behalf of the Iranian nation and in his personal capacity, President Pezeshkian thanked PM Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for what he described as their critical role in successfully steering the mediation process. He said Pakistan’s efforts, carried out with sincerity and skill, had helped secure the agreement and would always be remembered by Iran. The Iranian president also acknowledged Pakistan’s positive and constructive support during a difficult period for his country. President Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s desire to further expand bilateral relations with Pakistan in all fields of mutual interest and conveyed his best wishes to the people of Pakistan. The two leaders agreed to exchange visits to each other’s capitals at the earliest opportunity to advance cooperation on bilateral and regional issues. They also agreed to remain in close contact in the coming days. The Islamabad Peace Deal, signed earlier on Thursday after a 14-point agreement was reached this week, provides a framework aimed at ending the conflict, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and setting a 60-day timeline for further negotiations between the parties.

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