Pakistan Backs Iran’s Right to Peaceful Nuclear Energy as Leaders Sign 12 Cooperation Pacts

ISLAMABAD, Aug 3, 2025 — Pakistan on Sunday publicly supported Iran’s right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, even as tensions remain high between Tehran and Washington. The endorsement came during Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s state visit to Islamabad, where both countries signed 12 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to deepen bilateral ties.

President Pezeshkian, who arrived in Pakistan on Saturday, held formal talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at his official residence. During a joint press conference following their meeting, Sharif reiterated Islamabad’s firm support for Iran’s pursuit of nuclear energy for civilian use. “Pakistan stands with Iran for the acquisition of peaceful nuclear power,” he stated.

His remarks come at a politically sensitive moment, as Iran’s nuclear programme continues to draw scrutiny from the US and its allies, particularly after a series of Israeli-American airstrikes in June targeted key Iranian nuclear installations. Iran responded by suspending its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Sharif also condemned “Israeli aggression” and expressed support for Iran’s right to self-defence. He sharply criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza and urged Muslim-majority countries and the global community to respond to ongoing human rights violations in the region.

The two sides signed and exchanged 12 MoUs and agreements spanning trade, technology, agriculture, culture, climate, maritime safety, and other fields. Both countries have committed to elevating bilateral trade to USD 10 billion annually. A major focus was on the early finalisation of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with Pezeshkian highlighting its importance for economic integration.

Security cooperation also featured in the talks, with both leaders agreeing to boost counterterrorism efforts along their shared border. This comes amid past border tensions and growing concerns over regional militancy.

Prime Minister Sharif called the visit a “turning point” in Pakistan-Iran relations, expressing optimism that the agreements will soon be translated into actionable frameworks.

President Pezeshkian echoed the sentiment, noting that the new understandings mark a fresh chapter in bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, particularly science, innovation, and maritime safety.