Defence minister’s Iran visit cancelled

E-Paper | June 13, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s upcoming visit to Iran has been cancelled, a senior diplomatic source said on Friday.

Mr Asif was scheduled to travel to Tehran on a two-day visit from Monday (Jan 18) for promoting defence ties between the two countries. According to the source, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif directed the cancellation of the trip. A defence ministry official, talking to Dawn, confirmed that the trip had been cancelled. But the official did not assign any reason for the decision.

Another official who did not want to say anything on the record was of the opinion that the decision could be related to tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2016

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Adnan

Jan 16, 2016 07:42am

Utmost stupidity on Pakistans Part ! Why on earth we want to strain our relations with any country for the sake of others interest . This attitude is surely not neutrality .

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Santosh Menon

Jan 16, 2016 07:50am

It's "Crystal Clear", who the master is!!!.

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saz

Jan 16, 2016 08:19am

It seems Pakistan's govt is taking side of Saudia and her claim and opposition request that Pakistan should chose a neutral and impartial stand to diffuse tension and avoid favouring any side is just fake.

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Dare

Jan 16, 2016 08:35am

It is good that PML N government is showing their hands.

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Muslim Medina

Jan 16, 2016 08:42am

The government has finally decided to have a third country on our borders to become hostile to us leaving China as only ally.

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N_Saq

Jan 16, 2016 08:50am

It is a bad move. Pak just lost a good chance of leading a diplomatic efforts in the Muslim world. If Pak allegiance mean so much to KSA then the Saudis should pay heed to Pak advice.

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Asim Iqbal

Jan 16, 2016 09:17am

good decision.

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Intesar

Jan 16, 2016 09:19am

Really stupid decision...

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saber

Jan 16, 2016 09:46am

We are good to make enemies..

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Abbas Naqvi

Jan 16, 2016 09:46am

On three previous occasions, the defense minister's visit to Iran was first scheduled and then cancelled during the past one year. This is the fourth cancellation. What kind of message we are sending to Iran. Pak-Iran relations are equally important. There are cultural, historical and religious commonalities between den the two. Be sides enhancing its defense ties w ith Tehran, Islamabad can also boost its trade ties especially after implementation of Iran's nuclear agreement with the the west and lifting of sanctions which is just around the corner. We need to maintain balance in our foreign policy.

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FIZ

Jan 16, 2016 09:49am

This stupid decision was expected from the stupid government.

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flying star

Jan 16, 2016 09:54am

not good idea Pakistan must to do negociating role to bring harmony and peace between Ksa and Iran it is the time to bring stability ,and peace strong united oummah we need

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Salma Bukhari

Jan 16, 2016 10:12am

Iran already knows who is its Enemy and who is its Friend and what action need to be taken to protect itself as it does not believes in Nakras of any nation to fool it that it is Neutral.

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Syed Husain

Jan 16, 2016 10:29am

Foolish and stupid decision by the PML government. Pakistan must not alienate our neighbors. Let us please stay neutral.

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Jan 16, 2016 10:30am

Stupid decision. Pakistan should have an independent policy based on its own interests, not the interests of Saudi Arabia. It is in the interest of Pakistan to remain neutral in this conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia. If Saudi Arabia doesn't understand that, they are not our friend.

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RIZ

Jan 16, 2016 10:31am

Our policy: Any country which share common history, culture, language and long long border with us should not be our friend.

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Shahzad S Iqbal

Jan 16, 2016 12:19pm

The only nuclear power of the Muslim world needs to ensure an agenda of peace is followed all around and this is not done by sitting at home like a pigeon in front of a cat. It is utterly disappointing to see that Pakistan has done nothing to bring peace in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, Afghanistan and in Iran - Saudi standoff. The current leadership and so called "establishment" it seems dont even know the influence and leverage that a nuclear power has......so very disappointing that they dont know that with a pistol in hand even a little kid is feared in a street of rogues...

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Indian

Jan 16, 2016 12:20pm

@RIZ >Our policy: Any country which share common history, culture, language and long long border with us should not be our friend. Sad :( but true. I hope it will change one day!

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DIVENDU

Jan 16, 2016 12:35pm

Very Sad to Know to That Visit Is again CANCELED, I request to All Politician in Iran, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Please We a Common Man First and then Think How Important We are for each Other,

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Pashtunyar

Jan 16, 2016 01:01pm

@RIZ For one we dont a shared culture or history with iran! Iran has very little to offer pakistan infact it constructed a 'rival port,'supports rival factions in afghanistan, still allegedly recruiting minorities in fata to fight in syria and has always been very good friends with india!

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Khwarezmi

Jan 16, 2016 01:05pm

China's Xi Jinping have no problem visiting Saudi-Arabia AND Iran then why should we not meet our neighbour with whom we share a direct border? This is a bad call by the PML-N government. We should be cabale enough to balance our Saudi and Iran relations.

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usama khan

Jan 16, 2016 01:12pm

it was expected from this government, very pathetic move..

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timetostopthis

Jan 16, 2016 01:42pm

Its obvious which direction Pakistan is heading in. Not a good sign sadly.

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khangul

Jan 16, 2016 01:48pm

A welcome news is that the Chinese President is going to KSA and Iran "perhaps" to mediate between the two Muslim countries. The sad thing is that this role should have been initiated by Pakistani leadership!

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Muhammad Kamran Arain

Jan 16, 2016 02:11pm

This was the best time to visit Iran. Looks like were live in a fool's paradise.

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k k tiwari

Jan 16, 2016 02:14pm

You can not change your neighbor

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syed raza

Jan 16, 2016 02:36pm

Yet another stupid move by the extremely clever government of mr. sharif.

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ASHFAQ

Jan 16, 2016 02:38pm

WE don't need friends at our borders, apart from that we trust in so called allies oceans away

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Larka

Jan 16, 2016 02:41pm

As per latest news,PM himself is visiting iran and ksa starting from monday.pm will accompanied with defence minister.

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Hamza Khan

Jan 16, 2016 02:45pm

This minister lacks skills, knowledge and intelligence.

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Neutral

Jan 16, 2016 02:46pm

Decision taken out of fear ! What a shame !!

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Ahmed Haneef

Jan 16, 2016 03:09pm

@Pashtunyar .... Iran has commercial links with India while Saudi Arabia has defence ties with India.

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Ahmed Haneef

Jan 16, 2016 03:26pm

@Pashtunyar ... now whom you like Saudia or Iran. India and Saudi Arabia Sign Defense Cooperation Pact http://thediplomat.com/2014/02/india-and-saudi-arabia-sign-defense-cooperation-pact/

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Viking Star

Jan 16, 2016 03:35pm

Its a wise decision. We need to have "balanced" relationship with Iran - juts because its our neighbor, and "healthy" relationship with KSA.

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calypso

Jan 16, 2016 03:37pm

May be that our leadership has scarce knowledge of geography? My map shows a huge border with Iran. Our Gas resources in Baluchistan have the same source as that of Iran. We already have an unnecessary Shia/Sunni conflict in our country. Why someone is keen to fire the war between Muslim Brothers also in our Country?

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Neutral

Jan 16, 2016 03:50pm

What about if Iran would have refused to host

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malik humayoun

Jan 16, 2016 04:01pm

Long live Pak-Saudi Frindship

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kazim

Jan 16, 2016 04:02pm

Only stupids will welcome such move by Nawaz government.

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malik humayoun

Jan 16, 2016 04:13pm

@kazim Long live Nawaz Sharif

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Akram

Jan 16, 2016 04:17pm

we need to be careful not to take sides, I realise our relations with saudi are particularly sensitive due to the oil trade and saudi funding of some of our defence industries. But Pakistan should not overtly take sides, we should remain neural as best we can.

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Taimoor Khan

Jan 16, 2016 04:19pm

On serious note, GOP needs to come clean as to how Pakistan interests are served with SA. No more personal interests for political elite over the interests of state. Iran is not serving it's interests by cajoling Pakistan like Saudis are doing.

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M. asghar

Jan 16, 2016 04:19pm

The visite should not have been cancelled, because Pakistan has to and can play an independent and effective role of mediation in the SA-Iran dispute in the context of ICO.

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malik humayoun

Jan 16, 2016 04:32pm

@Akram Mr. Akram sb according to your comments that S.A supporting us in defence industries.then S.A right to Demand Pakistan on his defence support.

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Ailly

Jan 16, 2016 04:43pm

Pak will side by the country where our PM is having his business interests. in Iran he doesn't have any.

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gerry dcunha

Jan 16, 2016 04:44pm

Iran Pakistan gas pipeline in jeopardy

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Ali

Jan 16, 2016 04:48pm

That's good and let the PM decide and probably they will go and will try to ease the tension.

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Wajid

Jan 16, 2016 05:04pm

If it comes to choosing between Saudi Arabia or Iran than there is no contest.

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Atam Vetta

Jan 16, 2016 05:57pm

Pak Govt. has announced a reply to critics of the cancellation of the Pak Defence Minister's visit to Iran. The Pak PM & Pak COAS will be visiting both the KSA & Iran in the next few days. The critics should try to understand the complex ME situation and the cautious role Pak needs to play. THINK BEFORE YOU JUMP.

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Whatacountry

Jan 16, 2016 06:08pm

The main issue here is that Nawaz Sharif and family have no business interest in Iran.

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Whatacountry

Jan 16, 2016 06:12pm

Actually the visit has not been cancelled. Only the man has been replaced by our Foreign/ Prime Minister. Wise change.

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Ahmed Haneef

Jan 16, 2016 06:31pm

@Wajid ... Big difference! choosing Iran means choosing china and Russia. Iran Pipeline and Chinese corridor and industrialization means happiness in Pakistan "Zero" loads heading, more jobs even Pakistanis working in Saudi Arabia could work here in Pakistan and live with their families in their native lands. Choosing Saudi Arabia means choosing US, which will not be tolerated by China and Russia. Anyway have already tried 2nd option, have seen 30 years of disasters of bombing , beheading and load sheddings.

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Muhammad Kamran Arain

Jan 16, 2016 06:39pm

Now it's clear, the PM and COAS well visit, both countries. Good step, I take back my previous comments.

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pk007

Jan 16, 2016 06:44pm

Why surprised to read comments above. The visit is cancelled because the PM is replacing him. How can this not make sense ?

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N K Ali

Jan 16, 2016 08:11pm

Pakistan has positioned itself on a common sense platform. A country does not go around supporting family dynasties. We need to CLAMP down on ALL extremism to keep our borders and thinking clear and well-defined. Salams

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Gulfraz

Jan 16, 2016 08:30pm

The decision is correct, on the basis the PM himself is going, so there's no need for anyone else to go, this is not taking anyone's part, he is visiting BOTH countries and therefore not taking sides. I'm no fan of the PM, but i think this is a sensitive issue that deserves general Raheel's presence which is common sense, as things could go out of hand so a leading general is the best person to take.

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Syed Zafar Kazmi U.S.A

Jan 16, 2016 11:46pm

@malik humayounIt "is important that Army Chiefs in particular and other functionaries walk BEHIND a PM not shoulder to shoulder. " But then, please also take note of the fact that Saudi Arabia has signed defence pact with India, while it has never opened its mouth in favor of Kashmiri Muslims and likewise the Palestinian too have never received any support or favor from this country. On the contrary, Iranian ties with India are purely commercial.

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Umar Daud

Jan 17, 2016 12:03am

Great decision as both PM Sharif and COAS Sharif are going. Some people who are in gear haste to condemn everything that our civilian government does should be ashamed .

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jamal

Jan 17, 2016 12:19am

@Khwarezmi This is bcoz China do not have to "listen" to Saudi. Until Pak is economically dependent on Saudi, we have to please them. We need to stand up on our feet and then will be able to have robust foreign policy

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zak

Jan 17, 2016 12:40am

@Atam Vetta useless advice from a foreigner oblivious of Pakistan's politics.

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Amer

Jan 17, 2016 01:20am

All above comments show immaturity of some political party supporters who jump the gun without due diligence as always :) I am not sure when we will learn and act in the best interest of our country instead of being party workers.

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Sonny Afridi

Jan 17, 2016 02:38am

The attack on Saudi consulate must be condemned, but it shouldnt deter us from playing a mediation role. Pakistan has a strong basis to play mediator between these two belligerent countries.

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Reality Bites

Jan 17, 2016 08:32am

Bad decision to take sides. These are our neighbors for God's sake. Improving relations with India, Afghanistan but sending the wrong signal to Iran. Sharif family should keep its personal interests out of national interests. Neutrality is needed. Don't schedule meetings and then insult the Iranians in such obviously Saudi driven move.

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