Iran and Pakistan Leaders Commit to Expanding Trade to $10 Billion
WANA (Aug 03) – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction with recent progress in trade talks between Tehran and Islamabad, reaffirming their shared goal of raising bilateral trade from the current $3 billion to $10 billion in the near future.
According to a statement issued by the Pakistani Prime Minister’s Office, President Pezeshkian—on an official visit to Islamabad—met with Prime Minister Sharif on Sunday at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat.
The meeting began with an official welcoming ceremony featuring a guard of honor, followed by bilateral talks, first in a restricted format and later at the level of high-ranking delegations. Senior Pakistani officials present included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, and several cabinet ministers and senior government representatives.
Official Welcome Ceremony Held by Pakistani Prime Minister for President Pezeshkian on August 03, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency
Prime Minister Sharif, highlighting the longstanding ties between the two countries, expressed full solidarity with the Iranian people and leadership in the face of the recent Israeli aggression. He praised Iran’s “courageous resistance” during the 12-day conflict with Israel, extended condolences for the loss of Iranian commanders, scientists, and civilians, and thanked Tehran for its support during Pakistan’s recent tensions with India.
For his part, President Pezeshkian thanked the government and people of Pakistan for their unwavering support during the recent conflict, saying the Iranian nation would not forget this brotherly stance.
The Prime Minister’s Office reported that both sides stressed the need to expedite the convening of the 22nd session of the Iran-Pakistan Joint Economic Commission. Discussions also covered the expansion of barter trade, increased exports of agricultural products, activation of border markets, and the removal of trade barriers. Several memoranda of understanding were signed across various sectors.
Official Welcome Ceremony Held by Pakistani Prime Minister for President Pezeshkian on August 03, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency
The two leaders reaffirmed their common objective of raising bilateral trade volume from $3 billion to $10 billion.
They also exchanged views on regional developments, including the situation in Palestine. Prime Minister Sharif praised Iran’s clear stance in defense of the Palestinian people and called for an immediate end to Israeli atrocities in Gaza.
The meeting concluded with a luncheon hosted by Prime Minister Sharif in honor of President Pezeshkian and his delegation. Later, the two leaders held a joint press conference outlining the key issues discussed and agreements reached.
