KARACHI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday, expressing condolences over a deadly explosion at Iran’s Shahid Rajaee port and discussing recent regional developments, including tensions with India.
At least four people were killed and more than 500 injured when a powerful blast ripped through the port in the southern city of Bandar Abbas earlier in the day, according to Iranian state media.
Authorities in Tehran said the explosion likely originated from a fire at a hazardous materials storage depot, with footage showing thick black smoke rising from the site and helicopters deployed to control the blaze.
“I spoke to my brother, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian @drpezeshkian, President of Iran this evening, to express my deep shock at the tragic explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port, Bandar Abbas,” Sharif said in a social media post, adding that he expressed solidarity with the neighboring state on the loss of lives and prayed for early recovery of the injured.
The Shahid Rajaee port, located in Hormozgan province, is Iran’s largest commercial port. Iranian President Pezeshkian has ordered an investigation into the explosion, dispatching the interior minister to oversee the situation.
The blast caused significant damage to port infrastructure and was felt up to 50 kilometers away, according to Iranian news agencies.
During the call, Sharif also briefed Pezeshkian on Pakistan’s position regarding India’s recent actions following a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people earlier this week.
India has blamed Pakistan-based groups for the assault, expelled Pakistani diplomats and suspended the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty.
Islamabad has denied any involvement, offered a neutral investigation and warned that the use of water as a weapon was unacceptable and would be resisted.
Sharif said Pakistan desired regional peace and condemned militant violence in all forms and manifestations. He also reaffirmed Islamabad’s support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination as enshrined in UN resolutions.
President Pezeshkian thanked Sharif for Pakistan’s message of solidarity and invited him to visit Tehran, according to the statement.
Pakistan and Iran share a long border and maintain complex political and economic ties.
Only a day earlier, Tehran had offered to mediate between Pakistan and India following the Kashmir attack, expressing readiness to help de-escalate tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
– With input from AFP
