Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad for an official two-day visit, where he was welcomed by Ambassador Ahmed Naseem Warraich, Additional Foreign Secretary for Afghanistan and West Asia. The key objective of this visit is to strengthen bilateral ties and advance dialogue on critical regional issues, including trade, energy, and security, between Pakistan and Iran.
During the visit, Minister Araghchi is scheduled to engage in high-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar. These discussions will center on addressing the evolving situation in the Middle East and exploring opportunities for collaboration on mutual areas of interest, particularly in response to escalating tensions in the region. A significant portion of the dialogue will focus on the Middle Eastern crisis, with both countries aiming to enhance cooperation on multiple fronts, including border security and economic collaboration.
Araghchi’s visit was described by the Foreign Office as an “important opportunity to advance cooperation and dialogue” between the two nations. The talks take place amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East, with both Pakistan and Iran attempting to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics. It is believed that the Iranian foreign minister will also consult Pakistani leadership on how best to respond to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, which has escalated following Israel’s October 28 airstrikes on Iranian military installations, resulting in the deaths of four Iranian soldiers. The Israeli strikes were in retaliation to attacks by Iran on Israel. Iran, in turn, has launched around 200 ballistic missiles against Israel in response to the assassinations of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
While Pakistan condemned the Israeli attacks on Iran, calling for the United Nations Security Council to hold Israel accountable for its “reckless and criminal behavior,” it also emphasized the need for de-escalation to avoid triggering a larger regional war. Pakistan is seeking a peaceful resolution to the crisis while maintaining its stance against Israeli aggression.
Another important aspect of Araghchi’s visit involves discussions on the long-standing bilateral issue of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, a project aimed at strengthening energy cooperation between the two neighbors. Pakistan’s ambassador to Iran, Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, highlighted that the visit signifies a significant development in the already strong relations between Pakistan and Iran. Both countries share aligned positions on various conflicts in the Middle East, particularly regarding Israel’s actions, and actively collaborate within multilateral forums such as the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Additionally, Araghchi is expected to hold talks with Pakistan’s military leadership, including a meeting with General Asim Munir. The discussions will cover bilateral defense and military cooperation, focusing on ensuring security along the shared border between the two countries. This meeting underscores Iran and Pakistan’s importance in maintaining regional stability and safeguarding their respective national interests amidst the broader geopolitical tensions.
This visit is seen as a crucial diplomatic outreach by Iran, particularly as it seeks support from its neighbors and regional allies in navigating the complex and volatile Middle Eastern landscape. Meetings between high-ranking delegations from both countries will also take place during the visit, further solidifying the importance of this engagement in strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations across various sectors.