High-Level Diplomatic Engagement Between Pakistan and Iran
Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani hosted a significant meeting with H.E. Dr Muhammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran, and members of his delegation at Aiwan-e-Sadr today. The session was followed by a luncheon in their honor, highlighting the importance of the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Iran.
During the meeting, the Acting President emphasized the deep-rooted bonds of faith, history, and culture that continue to define the friendship and cooperation between the two nations. He highlighted the critical role of parliamentary engagement in fostering understanding and promoting collaboration for the mutual benefit of both countries. Mr. Gilani stressed the need to strengthen political dialogue, enhance economic connectivity, and promote people-to-people exchanges. He also underlined the importance of regular interaction between parliamentary committees and friendship groups in addressing key issues such as border management, counter-narcotics efforts, and facilitating pilgrim movements.
The Acting President expressed Pakistan’s desire to significantly boost bilateral trade with Iran, as agreed upon during a previous meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian in August 2025. Additionally, he called for increased collaboration between the two countries in areas such as education, culture, and youth linkages through academic and medical cooperation and exchange programs.
Key Discussions and Mutual Commitments
A wide range of topics were discussed during the meeting, including bilateral trade, overall bilateral relations, the regional situation, and international developments. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation across all fields and maintaining close consultation on matters of mutual interest.
Dr. Ghalibaf thanked Mr. Gilani for the warm welcome and expressed Iran’s view of Pakistan as a brotherly country and a trusted neighbor. He echoed sentiments shared during the Iranian President’s address in the Iranian Parliament regarding the resolution for solidarity with Iran passed by the Senate of Pakistan. Dr. Ghalibaf also mentioned Iran’s interest in expanding parliamentary and economic ties, noting that an Iranian parliamentary delegation would attend the upcoming Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference in Pakistan.
Notable Delegates from Both Sides
The Iranian delegation included several prominent figures, such as:
- Dr Reza Amiri Moghaddam, Ambassador of Iran
- Mr Fida Hossein Maleki, Chairman of the Iran-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group
- Mr Mohammad Nour Dehani, Vice Chairman of the Iran-Pakistan PFG
- Mr Rahmdel Bamiri
- Mr Mehrdad Goodarzvand Chegini
- Mr Fazlollah Ranjbar, Members of the Islamic Parliament of Iran
- Mr Vahid Jalalzadeh, Deputy Minister for Parliamentary, Consular and Iranian Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Mr Abolfazl Amouei, Special Assistant to the Speaker for International Affairs
From the Pakistani side, the meeting was attended by:
- Syed Imran Ahmad Shah, Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety
- Senator Sherry Rehman
- Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani
- Senator Manzoor Ahmed Kakar
- Senator Hidayatullah Khan
- Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti
- Senator Naseema Ehsan, Convener of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Iran
- MNAs Syed Naveed Qamar and Syed Ali Qasim Gilani
Strengthening Ties Through Collaboration
This high-level meeting underscores the ongoing efforts to deepen diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between Pakistan and Iran. The discussions reflect a shared vision of mutual respect, cooperation, and solidarity, with a focus on enhancing people-to-people interactions and addressing common challenges.