Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently criticised what he called “double standards” in the treatment of Iran’s ballistic missile programme, arguing that Tehran should not be denied capabilities that other nations are allowed to possess.
Sharif made the remarks during talks in Islamabad with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who met Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership as the two countries discussed regional security and bilateral cooperation.
Speaking during the meeting, Sharif said all countries should be treated equally when it comes to missile capabilities and defended Iran’s position that its missile programme should not be singled out for restrictions. He also noted that the issue was never part of the recent understanding reached between Iran and the United States.
His comments came amid ongoing debate over Iran’s military capabilities following recent diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran. Iranian President Pezeshkian has repeatedly maintained that the country’s missile programme is a key component of its national defence and will not be included in negotiations with the United States
The visit by Pezeshkian comes as both countries seek to strengthen cooperation on security, trade and regional stability amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East and South Asia.
