ISLAMABAD, Nov 04 (APP): Pakistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran on Tuesday signed a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance bilateral cooperation in broadcasting, film production, media regulation, and cultural exchange, marking a new chapter in the enduring partnership between the two brotherly nations.
The agreements were inked between the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) and five major Pakistani media entities including Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV), Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), Box Office (Pvt) Ltd, Sab TV Network, and VSH TV, during a ceremony held in Islamabad.
These agreements aim to foster collaborative content creation, promote cultural understanding, and streamline media practices across both countries.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar termed the visit of the Iranian media delegation “productive and inspiring,” saying the signing of MoUs reflected both governments’ resolve to strengthen people-to-people connections and promote shared values of peace, brotherhood, and resistance against oppression.
Tarar welcomed the Iranian delegation and described the recent visit of President Masoud Pezeshkia as a meaningful step toward strengthening bilateral ties. He noted that the President’s visit to the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal was a powerful gesture, reflecting how Iqbal’s message continues to inspire not only Pakistan but the broader Muslim world.
He emphasized that Pakistan and Iran are not just neighbors but also Muslim brothers, and expressed satisfaction that the long-desired bond between the two nations has grown stronger in recent years.
He said the signing of media cooperation agreements reflect a shared vision of solidarity, success, and prosperity for both the countries’ people.
Tarar also recalled his own visits to Iran, describing them as enriching, and reaffirmed the commitment to deepening media collaboration as a pathway to mutual growth.
Emphasizing the strategic importance of digital media, Tarar noted that in recent tensions with India, alongside diplomatic and military efforts, a powerful “meme war” unfolded online.
Pakistani youth and social media users responded with humor and creativity, using digital platforms to express patriotism and unify the nation, he added.
Tarar said this spontaneous digital solidarity surprised many and showcased the strength of Pakistan’s online community.
He stressed that digital media is the way forward and affirmed that the new agreements with Iran also focus on enhancing collaboration in this vital domain, allowing both countries to learn from each other’s experiences.
Tarar expressed deep appreciation for Iran’s hospitality during recent visits, saying, “We felt at home in Tehran, as if we were in Islamabad.” He emphasized the strong bond between Pakistan and Iran, noting that both nations have demonstrated resilience in the face of recent challenges.
Referring to a recent attack on Iran, Tarar said the people and government of Pakistan stood firmly with their Iranian brothers, with Pakistani media actively expressing solidarity and admiration for the courage of the Iranian people.
He recalled a powerful moment when Iranian newscasters continued broadcasting with dignity despite their studio under attack, calling it a symbol of Iran’s unwavering strength and a source of motivation for Pakistan.
Tarar praised the resilience of the Iranian people, stating they have shown unwavering courage in the face of adversity and cannot be bowed by aggression.
He expressed gratitude to the Government of Iran and shared that his recent meeting with the Iranian Ambassador was highly productive, covering key areas of media and cultural cooperation.
The minister welcomed the fact that those discussions have now materialized into tangible agreements, marking a significant step forward in Pakistan-Iran relations.
Tarar said the signing of MoUs will significantly strengthen bilateral ties in the media domain.
He highlighted the shared philosophical and ideological foundations of both nations, noting that Allama Iqbal’s message of knowledge, action, and self-reliance resonates deeply in Iran.
He affirmed Pakistan’s readiness to lead in the media spectrum, pledging active collaboration across various fields and a commitment to learning from Iran’s experiences to further strengthen bilateral ties.
Tarar expressed delight over the concept of a joint drama series on Allama Iqbal, to be produced in Persian and Urdu.
He said the initiative would serve as a powerful educational tool for the younger generation in both Pakistan and Iran, helping them understand Iqbal’s vision of a separate homeland and his philosophy rooted in knowledge, action, and self-
reliance.
Tarar highlighted the deep cultural commonalities between the two nations, recalling how his grandfather often engaged with Persian poetry and literature.
He emphasized that such shared heritage can play a vital role in strengthening people-to-people connections and further solidifying bilateral ties.
Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for his personal interest in fostering media and cultural ties between the two nations.
He said the new framework would bring the people of Pakistan and Iran closer through enhanced cultural understanding and media exchange.
“These agreements will not only promote cooperation between our media organizations but also pave the way for broader public diplomacy,” the Ambassador said, highlighting the historic and cultural bonds that unite both countries.
According to official summaries, the MoUs signed between IRIB and Pakistani media institutions aim to promote cooperation in broadcasting, training, content production, and cultural exchange.
Under the IRIB–PTV MoU, both broadcasters will exchange television programs and co-produce news and cultural content.
The two sides will organize joint training courses, share technical expertise, and participate in each other’s media festivals and cultural events. The agreement, valid for three years and automatically renewable, also provides for reciprocal exchange of personnel for professional development.
The SATRA–PEMRA MoU focuses on strengthening regulatory cooperation between Pakistan and Iran through knowledge-sharing, research collaboration, and joint working groups on media management, content monitoring, and policy development.
A separate MoU between IRIB and Box Office (Pvt) Ltd, a subsidiary of Cinepax Media Group, aims to promote film industry cooperation under the “Punjab Film City” initiative. IRIB will provide technical consultancy, training, and support in areas such as cinematography, editing, and set design — while encouraging joint productions and cultural diplomacy.
Meanwhile, the IRIB–Sab TV MoU seeks to enhance broadcasting cooperation, joint productions, and staff training, with an emphasis on news, culture, and youth programs. Both sides agreed to hold annual coordination meetings and safeguard intellectual property of shared content.
The Head of the IRIB delegation, Dr. Ahmad Norouzi, who also serves as Deputy Managing Director and Head of IRIB’s World Service, thanked the Government of Pakistan.
He said the agreements would serve as a bridge for academic, cultural, and professional exchanges, including opportunities for Pakistani students at Iranian universities.
Other members of the Iranian delegation included Dr. Abbas Mohammadnejad, Director General of IRIB’s International Affairs, Morteza Shamsi, Director of Sahar Global Network, and Dr. Jaber Ali Mohammadi Nafchi, Director General of IRIB Sistan and Baluchistan.