ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday firmly rejected suggestions that Iran’s ballistic missile programme was part of the negotiations, stating that the issue was “never discussed” and has “no mention whatsoever” in the Islamabad MoU, state-run Pakistan TV reported.
Addressing a joint stakeout with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is on an official visit to Pakistan, PM Shehbaz said it is not possible that one country possesses ballistic missiles while Iran does not.
“Like other countries, why can’t Iran possess ballistic missiles for its defense?” he questioned, adding that certain elements want to sabotage these efforts for peace.
“This issue is neither on the agenda nor has it been discussed,” Shehbaz Sharif said. He warned that raising unrelated issues could create unnecessary controversy.
Earlier today, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Islamabad on an official one-day visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
President Asif Zardari, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed the Iranian president upon his arrival at Nur Khan Airbase.
PM Sharif, President Pezeshkian hold Joint Stakeout
https://t.co/QH8pScTn8W— Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) June 23, 2026
The premier began his speech by reciting an Iranian couplet on the themes of friendship during challenging times.
Addressing the joint press briefing, Prime Minister Shehbaz hailed Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian as a ‘visionary, calm and wise leader.’ He termed today a historic moment between Pakistan and Iran.
Talking about the US-Iran talks, he said the Islamabad MoU, followed by technical US-Iran talks in Switzerland, reflects the power of sincere diplomacy and mediation.
“The MoU would usher in an era of peace and prosperity for the entire region and beyond,” PM said, expressing the confidence that dialogue and statesmanship can pave the way for lasting stability in the Middle East.
PM to visit Tehran
PM Shehbaz also announced he would be undertaking a visit to Tehran next week to pay respects to the late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and to “reaffirm and reassure Pakistan’s solidarity with our brotherly people of Iran”.
The premier also expressed Pakistan’s “heartfelt condolences” over the loss of lives in Iran, including that of the late Ayatollah Khamenei, whom he called “a great visionary leader” respected by the whole Muslim world.
“The people of Pakistan share the grief of our Iranian brothers and sisters and stand in complete solidarity with the people of Iran,” PM Shehbaz said. “Your happiness is our happiness; your sorrow is our sorrow.”
He thanked the Iranian president for visiting Pakistan and for the “warmth and sincerity that he and his delegation have brought with them”.
“Pakistan and Iran are not only neighbors but also connected by thousands of years of civilization,” PM Shehbaz asserted, adding that “we consider Iran’s success as our success and its loss as our loss”.
Referring to recent regional developments, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the reported de-escalation between Iran and the United States, stating that Pakistan had made sincere efforts to support the peace process as a mediator.
He said that technical discussions held in Burgenstock, Switzerland, and subsequent engagements had been significant in advancing mutual understanding, expressing hope that the Islamabad memorandum of understanding would eventually develop into a formal agreement, opening new avenues of cooperation.
Prime Minister Sharif also acknowledged the support of regional leaders, including those of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt, in facilitating dialogue and stability in the region.
The prime minister also hailed the tireless work and unwavering dedication of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir in the negotiation process.
The premier went on to praise the dedicated efforts of Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his team at the Foreign Office (FO), as well as the valuable contributions of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
“Zindabad dosti Pakistan o Iran [Long live Pakistan-Iran friendship],” he concluded.
