Iran, Pakistan intensifying efforts to boost economic ties: CG

KARACHI: Iran and Pakistan are intensifying efforts to strengthen their economic relationship by boosting bilateral trade, enhancing cross-border cooperation, and exploring new investment opportunities between the two neighbouring countries, said Akbar Eissazadeh, Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Karachi.

He made these remarks while addressing a reception at the Consulate marking the 47th anniversary of the Victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran.

The event was attended by diplomats, political party representatives, government officials, members of the business community, media personnel, and others.

Speaking on the occasion, Akbar Eissazadeh said that Iran and Pakistan had witnessed remarkable momentum in their bilateral relations, reflecting the strong commitment of the leadership in both countries to further strengthen economic, political, and cultural ties and to contribute positively to regional development.

He added that relations between the two countries had entered a new era across all sectors, with the leaders and peoples of both nations taking pride in this enduring friendship.

He said Iran-Pakistan relations were not merely state-to-state ties but represented a vibrant bond between two nations and two cultures, rooted in shared history and committed to peace, friendship, and lasting prosperity.

Highlighting Iran’s progress over the past five decades, he said the Islamic Republic had achieved remarkable successes in various fields by relying on domestic capabilities, social cohesion, and sustainable human resources. He noted progress in science, technology, and healthcare, as well as significant growth in non-oil exports.

In the social sector including infrastructure development, healthcare, pharmaceutical production, housing projects, provision of clean drinking water, and communications, he added, Iran had achieved self-sufficiency, resulting in improved quality of life for its citizens.

Referring to recent developments, he said the past year had been marked by challenges, including military aggression by the United States and the Zionist regime, which resulted in economic losses and the loss of valuable lives.

Despite maximum pressure, Iran approached nuclear negotiations in good faith, holding five rounds of talks, with a sixth round scheduled.

He noted that recent peaceful protests in Iran, beginning on January 7, 2026, were primarily due to economic hardships but were later turned into armed riots by foreign-backed terrorist elements.

He said the government recognized peaceful protest as a right of its citizens while safeguarding national security.

Eissazadeh emphasized that Pakistan held a distinguished place among Iran’s neighbors, with relations spanning centuries and facilitating high-level engagements, enhanced economic cooperation, and strengthened people-to-people contacts.

He recognized the important role of Sindh Province in strengthening ties and said Memorandums of Understanding signed between Sindh and various Iranian provinces would expand economic, technical, and cultural cooperation, creating new opportunities in trade, investment, and tourism.

Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori, who also spoke on the occasion, extended warm felicitations to the people and leadership of Iran on the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.

He said Pakistan and Iran are bound by deep-rooted historical, religious, and cultural ties.

Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan after its independence, while Pakistan was the first to formally recognize the Islamic Revolution of Iran, reflecting enduring trust and mutual respect between the two brotherly nations.

The Governor observed that the Islamic Revolution was a manifestation of the will of the Iranian people and said Iran’s progress in various sectors stood as testimony to its determination and self-reliance in the face of challenges.

Emphasizing unity, he said the Muslim Ummah must strengthen solidarity to confront external challenges, including Zionist forces.

Highlighting bilateral cooperation, he noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had announced plans to enhance bilateral trade to USD10 billion, reflecting the commitment of both sides to deepen economic engagement.