Pakistan, Iran Vow Closer Ties Amid Regional Tensions

Eid al-Adha Celebrations Marked by Diplomacy and Domestic Festivities

As Muslims worldwide observe Eid al-Adha, Pakistan and Iran reaffirmed their commitment to strengthened bilateral relations and regional stability during a phone call between their leaders. Celebrations continued across Pakistan with religious observance and community gatherings.

Diplomatic Exchanges on Eid

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, exchanging Eid greetings and discussing pressing regional security concerns. The conversation followed Sharif’s recent visit to Tehran, where both nations signaled a desire to improve cooperation.

“Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a warm and constructive telephone conversation with the President of Iran, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian to exchange Eid-ul-Adha greetings and convey best wishes to the people of Iran and Supreme Leader Ayatullah Ali Khamenei…”

—Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan), June 7, 2025

The leaders also addressed ongoing conflicts in Pakistan-India tensions and Gaza. Sharif extended a renewed invitation for Pezeshkian to visit Pakistan. This outreach occurs as both countries work to mend relations following earlier cross-border incidents (Council on Foreign Relations, 2024).

National Celebrations and Leadership Prayers

President Asif Ali Zardari led Eid prayers at Aiwan-e-Sadr, joined by Faisal Karim Kundi, Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and former Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf. Shehbaz Sharif prayed with his sons, Hamza and Salman Shehbaz, in Lahore, while Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah offered prayers in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh.

Both Zardari and Sharif congratulated the nation and the wider Muslim community, emphasizing the importance of sacrifice, selflessness, and brotherhood. Zardari specifically called for support for marginalized communities, referencing the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).

Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, along with other service chiefs, extended Eid greetings, honoring the sacrifices of Pakistani martyrs and their families.

Regional Outreach and Domestic Cleanup

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar exchanged Eid greetings with his counterparts in the UAE, Malaysia, Türkiye, and Iran, discussing bilateral ties and praying for peace, particularly in Palestine and for unity within the Muslim world.

In Islamabad, the Capital Territory Administration collected and disposed of 1,362 tonnes of animal waste – over 81,000 animal remains – during the first two days of Eid as part of a “zero-waste” initiative. Drones were deployed to monitor cleanup operations and identify areas needing immediate attention.

Tourism Boost in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

Eid al-Adha spurred a surge in tourism to Pakistan’s northern regions, particularly Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Mahodand Lake in Upper Swat, situated at 9,400 feet, attracted thousands of visitors. “Every raindrop adds to the magic,” remarked tourist Nasir Khan from Peshawar.

Some travelers noted concerns regarding road infrastructure and accommodation costs in areas like Kumrat Valley. Governor Faisal Karim Kundi celebrated Eid in his hometown, engaging with visitors and reaffirming his commitment to addressing public concerns.