Iran, Pakistan sign media cooperation deals to enhance cultural, technical ties

The accords were finalized during a visit by a high-ranking Iranian media delegation to Islamabad, led by Ahmad Norouzi, Deputy Head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) and Chief of its World Service.

The agreements were signed between IRIB and Pakistani institutions, including Pakistan Television (PTV), Sub TV, Cinepax Media, and Vsh TV, encompassing program exchanges, joint productions, training, technical collaboration, and participation in cultural festivals.

A key feature is Iran’s technical and educational contribution to the planned Punjab Film City project, aimed at enhancing cinematic infrastructure and fostering cultural exchange.

At the signing ceremony, the Iranian delegation described the accords as a practical step in advancing Iran’s media diplomacy in South Asia and laying the groundwork for sustainable cultural and media cooperation between Tehran and Islamabad.

In his speech, Norouzi said Iran would not forget friends who stood by it during wartime, referencing Pakistan’s expressions of solidarity during the 12-day US-Israeli aggression against Iran in June 2025.

Norouzi highlighted the resilience of Iranian media workers during the war, singling out Sahar Emami, a young IRIB journalist who became a symbol of steadfastness by continuing to broadcast under direct Israeli bombardment.

“What was seen of Sahar Emami’s steadfastness and perseverance, along with that of all my colleagues in IRIB, was only a glimpse of the endurance and faith of the Iranian nation during the time of war,” Norouzi stated.

Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar hailed the agreements as a milestone in bilateral relations, saying that Iran-Pakistan media cooperation would strengthen Islamic unity, counter Western distortions, and enhance cultural interaction between the two nations.

On November 3, during a visit to the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC), the Iranian delegation and Pakistani counterparts emphasized expanding technical and content cooperation between their national broadcasters, exploring joint channels, and exchanging radio programming.

Both delegations underscored the role of radio in advancing cultural diplomacy and countering Western media narratives.

Saeed Ahmed Sheikh, Director General of Radio Pakistan, noted that his organization was at the forefront of resisting colonial and hegemonic propaganda, producing diverse programming across over 90 channels.

Norouzi welcomed the proposals, saying the exchange of radio programs was an effective step to deepen cultural and media relations.

He proposed launching a joint channel titled “Iran-Pakistan Friendship” to broadcast cultural, religious, and social content from both nations./isna