Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had hailed Pakistan’s efforts for peace in the region and conveyed that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) remained fully acceptable to Iran.
The prime minister was speaking to media representatives alongside his Lebanese counterpart Nawaf Salam after he met with the Iranian president on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Asked about the Islamabad MoU, under which Pakistan had mediated between Iran and the United States, the prime minister said Pakistan’s entire leadership was united in its resolve to further accelerate efforts for peace under the memorandum.
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The premier also expressed particular concern over the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, saying brotherly and friendly countries were making efforts to reduce the tensions there.
He said he had also discussed the issue with the Iranian president during their meeting and told him that establishing peace in the region was an urgent need of the hour and that Pakistan would, as before, play its role in this regard.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with the President of Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian today, on the sidelines of the 81st Session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. pic.twitter.com/GcntExS6dB
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) September 24, 2026
PM Shehbaz said President Pezeshkian had appreciated Pakistan’s efforts and said the Islamabad MoU was still fully acceptable to Iran and that Tehran was ready to take it forward.
Shehbaz condemned the continued atrocities against Lebanon, calling them unacceptable. “Pakistan and Lebanon would work together to promote peace in the region jointly,” he said.
PM Shehbaz reaffirms readiness to play ‘constructive role’ for regional peace
Earlier, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to continue playing a “sincere and constructive role” in support of regional peace during a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The meeting took place a day before the premier is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Friday.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders reaffirmed the close and longstanding ties between Pakistan and Iran and underscored the need to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across all areas of mutual interest.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with the President of Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian today, on the sidelines of the 81st Session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq… pic.twitter.com/BHkCwC2QNI
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) September 24, 2026
“Both leaders also exchanged views on the evolving regional situation,” the statement said.
The prime minister expressed deep concern over the prolonged conflict and emphasised the need for restraint, de-escalation and sustained diplomatic engagement to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.
PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to continue playing a sincere and constructive role in support of regional peace and stability, while underscoring the importance of building on and implementing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
“President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s principled diplomacy and concerted efforts for regional peace and security,” the statement said.
The Iranian president also underscored the enduring strength of Pakistan-Iran relations, rooted in shared history, culture and faith, and reaffirmed Tehran’s strong desire to further deepen multifaceted cooperation.
The two sides agreed to work for regional peace, security and prosperity, while underlining the importance of maintaining regular consultations and close coordination to address prevailing challenges and seize opportunities, the statement added.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, SAPM Tariq Fatemi and senior officials from both sides were also present.
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