Hafiz Naeem calls for Muslim unity as Iran hails Pakistan’s support during Gaza war
Tehran: Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, Emir of Pakistan’s Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), wrapped up a four-day visit to Iran with meetings at the highest level of the Iranian leadership, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi.
The talks focused on regional developments, the Gaza crisis, and strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations in the aftermath of recent wars involving both countries.
Speaking to journalists at the conclusion of his visit, Hafiz Naeem said:
“The passion of the Iranian nation is remarkable. During the Iran-Israel war, the Pakistani people stood firmly by Iran, and the Iranian nation and its leadership remain grateful. Iran’s role on the question of Palestine is deeply valuable. The closer Pakistan and Iran come together, and then include other Muslim nations, the stronger the cause of Palestine and the oppressed people of Gaza will become.”
During his meetings, Hafiz Naeem described Pakistan and Iran as “brothers in Islam,” stressing that Pakistan rises above sectarian divides and stands with Iran. He called for an “independent foreign policy free from US pressure” and said minor disagreements between Muslim nations must be set aside in pursuit of shared goals.
President Pezeshkian, for his part, urged unity among Muslim countries, warning that “Israel benefits from divisions within the Muslim world.” He underlined Iran’s intention to strengthen ties with neighboring states, particularly Pakistan.
Foreign Minister Araqchi echoed this, praising Iran-Pakistan friendship as “deep-rooted” and thanking Pakistanis for their solidarity during pro-Palestine demonstrations.
Meetings with the Iranian leadership
The JI delegation,, which included senior party leaders Asif Luqman Qazi and Dr. Sami-ul-Haq, also met former foreign minister and head of Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations Kamal Kharrazi, senior cleric Ayatollah Seyyed Mohsen Qomi from the office of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and Majma Taqrib chief Dr. Hamid Shahriari.
The delegation visited Seyyed Hassan Khomeini, grandson of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Asif Luqman Qazi highlighted the historic ideological links between Jamaat founder Maulana Maududi and Imam Khomeini, noting that their vision for Islamic governance predated Iran’s 1979 revolution.
Both sides agreed on the need to deepen political, cultural, and people-to-people ties, framing the visit as the beginning of a “new era of friendship” between Pakistan and Iran.
