Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf met with Iranian Ambassador Dr. Reza Amiri Moghaddam to discuss bilateral cooperation on religious affairs, humanitarian support, and cultural and educational exchanges. The two officials reviewed efforts to assist Pakistani pilgrims, strengthen interfaith harmony, combat religious intolerance and terrorism, and coordinate upcoming international religious events hosted by Pakistan.
During the meeting the Iranian ambassador expressed deep sympathy for the human and material losses Pakistan suffered in recent floods and heavy rains, and affirmed that Iran stands alongside Pakistan as a close and supportive neighbour in this time of hardship. He thanked the government and people of Pakistan for their supportive role during recent regional tensions involving Iran.
Both sides emphasized the need to combat religious intolerance, sectarianism and terrorism while promoting interfaith harmony. They discussed proposals for joint initiatives to address growing religiously motivated violence and to foster greater mutual understanding among different faith communities.
On pilgrim affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said Pakistan is taking steps to regularize travel for Pakistani visitors to Iran and Iraq. He announced that Islamabad will soon sign a memorandum of understanding with Tehran to facilitate pilgrims and Pakistanis travelling to Iran for employment. The minister said the draft MOU is being prepared with the support of the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, alongside the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
The Iranian ambassador congratulated Pakistan and the minister on hosting the 50th International Seerat Conference and described the event as an opportunity to jointly address contemporary challenges, including the impact of social media, through the teachings of the Prophet. Both officials noted that holding international Quran recitation competitions in Pakistan later this year would be a distinct honour following the global Seerat gathering.
Finally, the two sides agreed to expand exchanges between religious scholars and students of madrasas to support Hajj and Umrah arrangements and to promote modern, contemporary education in seminaries. The ambassador also highlighted Pakistan’s important role in countering Islamophobia and terrorism, reiterating Iran’s appreciation for Islamabad’s contributions to regional stability and intercommunal harmony.
