ISLAMABAD / TEHRAN, August 3, 2025 — Addressing reporters in Islamabad on the sidelines of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s official visit, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared unwavering support for Iran’s right to pursue peaceful nuclear energy. Speaking alongside Pezeshkian, Sharif emphasized Islamabad’s principled backing for Tehran amid mounting international scrutiny over its nuclear programme.Geo NewsThe News International
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Affirmation
At the joint press conference, Prime Minister Sharif said, “Pakistan stands with Iran for the acquisition of peaceful nuclear power,” reaffirming Pakistan’s stance under the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty (NPT) framework. He stressed that Iran’s nuclear ambitions remain strictly civilian in nature, aligned with energy, scientific, and economic objectives—not military intent.Dunya News+6Geo News+6Rediff+6
Sharif’s remarks follow recent U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites and rising tensions as Western powers press for inspections and a revival of the 2015 nuclear deal before an October UN snapback deadline.The News International+2Geo News+2The Guardian+2
Broader Bilateral Agenda
The press conference also marked the signing of a dozen memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between Iran and Pakistan, spanning sectors such as trade, agriculture, science and technology, climate cooperation, tourism, and maritime safety. Leaders set an ambitious target to raise bilateral trade to USD 10 billion annually.Dunya News+2The Economic Times+2Rediff+2
President Pezeshkian praised Pakistan’s solidarity during the recent 12‑day conflict with the U.S. and Israel, calling Islamabad’s support “very heartening” and reflective of a deep Islamic brotherhood.Rediff+2PressTV+2Dunya News+2
Regional Nuclear Debate
Pakistan’s support for Iran’s peaceful nuclear rights reflects a broader regional consensus. Several countries in the Middle East earlier endorsed a framework acknowledging civil nuclear activities under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) oversight.Wikipedia+3The Economic Times+3SUCH TV+3
According to Iran’s interpretation of the NPT, this right is inalienable and essential for energy independence. Iranian officials stress their programme is fully transparent and subject to IAEA safeguards.Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2
International Dynamics and Legal Stakes
Western governments, including France, Germany, and the UK, have warned that failure to resume inspections could trigger the “snapback” mechanism under UN Security Council rules, reinstating sanctions by mid-September. Iran has meanwhile conducted “frank” talks with European powers to potentially resume nuclear diplomacy.Geo News+1The News International+1
In contrast, Pakistan, designated a major non‑NATO ally by Washington, condemned recent U.S. strikes on Iran as violations of international law and IAEA statutes—despite Pakistan’s past diplomatic alignment with the U.S. on other issues.Rediff+3apnews.com+3The Economic Times+3
Outlook: Diplomacy Amid Divergence
This joint press event highlights diverging regional perspectives on Iran’s nuclear future. Pakistan’s explicit endorsement reinforces Tehran’s diplomatic position, even as Western capitals intensify pressure.
While Pakistan underlines Iran’s right to peaceful enrichment and self-defence, it also plays complex diplomatic roles—engaging with the U.S. on broader peace efforts while condemning actions that violate sovereignty.
Summary Snapshot (500‑Word Coverage)
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly affirms Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear power at a joint press conference with President Pezeshkian.
- Sharif frames this position within the legal ambit of the NPT and emphasizes Iran’s commitment to civilian nuclear energy.
- The press event coincides with the signing of multiple MoUs targeting USD 10 billion in bilateral trade across key sectors.
- Regional and international context: U.S.-Israeli raids on Iran’s nuclear sites sparked renewed concern over proliferation and the upcoming snapback deadline in October.
- Pakistan condemns U.S. strikes under international law, differentiating the peaceful nuclear programme from any military dimensions.
- Going forward, Pakistan and Iran will leverage economic and diplomatic cooperation amid growing tensions with Western powers—and the looming decision point over sanctions and nuclear inspections.
This joint message marks Islamabad’s public alignment with Tehran’s nuclear sovereignty—and underscores growing regional formulations that seek a balance between legal nuclear rights and non-proliferation imperatives