PM Shehbaz set for Iran, Türkiye visit: FO spokesperson

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will undertake official visits to Iran and Türkiye from July 3 to July 5 as part of

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will undertake official visits to Iran and Türkiye from July 3 to July 5 as part of Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach and efforts to strengthen regional cooperation.

The prime minister will first travel to Iran. During his visit, he will participate in the funeral and condolence ceremonies of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

He will convey condolences and sympathies on behalf of the people and the government of Pakistan to the Iranian leadership and the bereaved families. The visit will also reaffirm Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran during a period of national mourning.

After concluding his engagements in Iran, the prime minister will travel to Türkiye at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

During the visit, both leaders are expected to hold extensive discussions on bilateral relations and regional developments. The talks will cover political cooperation, economic ties, trade, investment and strategic partnership between the two countries.

Special attention will be given to expanding bilateral trade and increasing investment opportunities between Pakistan and Türkiye. Both sides are also expected to discuss regional peace, security and issues of mutual interest.

During his stay in Istanbul, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will address a business and investment conference aimed at promoting Pakistan’s economic potential among Turkish investors and business leaders.

The conference will highlight investment opportunities in Special Economic Zones, energy projects, information technology, trade and the government’s privatisation programme.

Leading Turkish businessmen, investors, senior officials and representatives of the business community are expected to attend the event. The gathering is expected to provide an opportunity to strengthen commercial partnerships and attract foreign investment to Pakistan.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with cabinet members and senior government officials, will accompany the prime minister during the visit.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has continued diplomatic efforts aimed at supporting dialogue and negotiations between the United States and Iran following recent tensions in the Gulf region.

Pakistani and Qatari officials recently held separate meetings with American and Iranian negotiators in Doha as part of ongoing diplomatic engagement intended to promote regional stability and peaceful dialogue.

Officials described the discussions as constructive and said positive progress had been made on several issues under negotiation. The parties agreed to continue talks in the coming weeks.

The next round of discussions is expected to take place after the completion of funeral ceremonies in Iran.

Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to playing a constructive and facilitative role in promoting dialogue and reducing tensions in the region in cooperation with Qatar and other international partners.

Separately, Pakistan once again reaffirmed its position on the Indus Waters Treaty, describing the agreement as legally binding and essential for regional peace and stability.

Officials stressed that international agreements cannot be suspended unilaterally and emphasised that disputes over shared water resources should be resolved through established legal and diplomatic mechanisms.

Pakistan also warned against using water as a political tool or means of pressure, stating that any attempt to deny the country’s lawful share under the treaty would violate international obligations and could have serious consequences for regional peace and security.