Islamabad, 05 May 2025 (APP/IRNA)

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi concluded a high-level visit to Islamabad on Monday, as both Pakistan and Iran reiterated their commitment to deepening bilateral relations and promoting peace and stability in South Asia amid rising tensions between Pakistan and India.

Araghchi met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, and Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir. The meetings focused on regional security, economic cooperation, and the evolving situation in Kashmir following a recent deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which India has blamed on Pakistan—an accusation strongly denied by Islamabad.

During his meeting with Prime Minister Sharif, the two sides reaffirmed the historical, cultural, and religious ties that bind the neighboring countries. Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s strong desire to enhance bilateral cooperation with Iran, particularly in pursuit of peace and stability in the region. He also extended condolences to the Iranian people over the recent tragic explosion at Shahid Rajaei Port, and conveyed warm greetings to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. Araghchi, in turn, delivered personal greetings from President Pezeshkian and reiterated Iran’s invitation for Prime Minister Sharif to visit Tehran later this year.

The Iranian foreign minister acknowledged Pakistan’s concerns regarding the current regional climate and called for restraint on all sides. He underscored Iran’s intention to mediate and help defuse tensions, especially given its long-standing relationships with both New Delhi and Islamabad. According to Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, the visit was prompted by Iran’s desire to encourage dialogue in light of the Kashmir crisis.

Prime Minister Sharif firmly rejected accusations linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack, labeling them as unfounded and politically motivated. He stressed the need for a credible, transparent international investigation to determine the facts and prevent further deterioration of regional peace. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to diplomacy over confrontation.

President Zardari echoed similar sentiments during his meeting with Araghchi at Aiwan-e-Sadr. He highlighted the importance of deepening economic ties, especially in trade, and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining peaceful relations with all its neighbors. The Iranian minister conveyed President Pezeshkian’s goodwill and emphasized Iran’s desire to see expanded economic cooperation and coordinated regional engagement, including on issues related to Afghanistan.

Araghchi also met with General Asim Munir at Pakistan’s General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. The two discussed regional security dynamics, border management, and mechanisms to strengthen security cooperation. Both sides agreed on the need to enhance strategic coordination and affirmed their commitment to collective efforts for regional peace.

In addition to Kashmir, the discussions included the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with both Iran and Pakistan strongly condemning the ongoing violence and human rights violations by Israeli forces in Gaza and the West Bank.

Araghchi’s visit comes as part of a broader Iranian diplomatic initiative. He is expected to visit New Delhi next, although it remains unclear whether the trip was scheduled prior to the Pahalgam incident. His message in Islamabad was consistent: Tehran seeks de-escalation and urges all parties to act with restraint.

Pakistan has also reached out to the United Nations and other global powers, including Russia, to highlight its concerns. A recent call between Foreign Minister Dar and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov underscored the international community’s growing concern over the potential for escalation in South Asia.

According to The Hindu, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to visit Islamabad on May 5, 2025, followed by a pre-scheduled trip to Delhi on May 7–8. The Iranian Foreign Ministry announced the visits, which now carry added diplomatic weight after Araghchi offered to mediate between India and Pakistan—described as Iran’s ‘brotherly neighbours’. Sources noted the separate travel legs are meant to avoid ‘hyphenating’ the two visits.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has postponed his official visit to Malaysia, originally set for May 9, due to rising tensions after a recent attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, Bernama reports. Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim conveyed understanding and called for de-escalation, condemning violence and urging a transparent investigation. He affirmed Malaysia’s readiness to support peace efforts and reiterated commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.