Driving the news:
Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq met in Islamabad with Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, for wide-ranging talks on bilateral relations, regional security, parliamentary cooperation, and economic ties.
Why it matters:
The meeting highlights a rare moment of public alignment between senior Iranian and Pakistani officials at a time of heightened regional tension and evolving defense partnerships involving Pakistan, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.
The big picture:
Both countries are navigating complex security realities — from Afghanistan-based militancy to Israeli regional actions— while seeking to stabilize ties following past border frictions.
What they are saying:
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq emphasized deep historic ties and recent diplomatic momentum:
“Pakistan and Iran are brotherly, neighboring countries,” he said, adding that recent leadership contacts “will prove to be an important milestone in strengthening the relations between the two countries.”
He noted that “Pakistan is a second home for the Iranian people” and expressed gratitude for Iran’s “diplomatic and moral support in the war with India.”
Sadiq said the Pakistani Parliament “unanimously condemned the Israeli attack on Iran,” adding: “Iran and Pakistan have common enemies, including Israel. I congratulate Iran for giving a befitting reply to the Israeli aggression.”
Ali Larijani praised Pakistan’s positions:
He “appreciated the support of the Pakistani people during the Israeli aggression.”
He said Iran “welcomes the defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia” and sees “vast opportunities to increase cooperation” with Islamabad.
Larijani emphasized “the need to promote cooperation in various fields,” noting that “the people of Iran have a deep attachment and love for the people of Pakistan.”
State of play:
The meeting signals a renewed push by both governments to collaborate more closely across security, parliamentary, and economic spheres, despite occasional geopolitical divergences.
Catch up quick:
- Pakistan and Iran have recently increased diplomatic engagement after border tensions earlier this year.
- Both countries have condemned Israeli operations in the region.
- Pakistan’s new defense pact with Saudi Arabia has been watched closely in Tehran, but Larijani’s remarks suggest Iran sees potential complementary interests.
Go deeper:
Iran’s Top Security Official Visits Pakistan
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