ISLAMABAD by IMTISAL BUKHARI
Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Reza Amiri Moghaddam, met with Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, on Friday and expressed deep condolences over the loss of lives and property caused by recent rains and floods in Pakistan.
During the meeting, the Iranian envoy conveyed solidarity with the people of Pakistan, describing the country as a “brotherly neighbor” and assuring that Iran stands beside Pakistan in this time of hardship.
Both sides discussed global challenges such as religious intolerance, terrorism, and sectarianism, emphasizing the importance of promoting interfaith harmony and collaboration to address these pressing issues.
The Federal Minister highlighted ongoing efforts to regularize Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iran and Iraq. He revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will soon be signed with Iran to streamline the travel of Pakistani pilgrims and labor migrants. The MoU is being drafted with the joint efforts of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Interior, and Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis.
Ambassador Amiri Moghaddam extended congratulations to the Government of Pakistan and Minister Sardar Yousaf on organizing the 50th International Seerat Conference, and stressed the need to work together to address modern-day challenges — including those arising on social media — in light of the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
He also appreciated Pakistan’s stance and support during Israel’s recent aggression against Iran, thanking both the government and the people for their solidarity. The Iranian envoy praised Pakistan’s vital role in the fight against Islamophobia and terrorism.
Minister Yousaf announced that Pakistan will host the International Quran Recitation Competition in November this year. The Iranian Ambassador welcomed the initiative, calling it a unique honor for Pakistan, especially following the successful Seerat Conference.
Both sides agreed to expand cooperation in religious matters, including pilgrimage (Hajj and Umrah) facilitation, as well as enhancing academic and cultural exchanges between Islamic scholars and students from religious seminaries in both countries to promote modern education and mutual understanding.
