Islamabad (Web Desk): Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan on Saturday for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening ties and discussing a range of bilateral matters with the country’s top leadership.
This is President Pezeshkian’s first official visit to Pakistan since assuming the presidency.
Upon landing at Nur Khan Airbase, he received a warm welcome from Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, as well as Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar.
The Iranian leader is accompanied by a senior delegation comprising Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi along with key ministers and top government officials.
His visit marks an important diplomatic engagement between the two neighbouring nations, both looking to deepen cooperation in political, economic, and regional affairs.
President Pezeshkian is scheduled to hold high-level meetings, including one-on-one discussions with President Asif Ali Zardari and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and members of his cabinet.
These interactions are expected to cover trade, border security, regional stability, and energy collaboration.
To honour the visiting head of state, a 21-gun salute was presented upon his arrival. In a gesture reflecting cultural hospitality, two children dressed in traditional attire offered floral bouquets to Dr Pezeshkian, symbolizing the goodwill between the two countries.
Earlier today, President Pezeshkian arrived in Lahore on Saturday for a two-day state visit to Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Former premier Nawaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and senior Punjab government officials received the distinguished guest upon his arrival at Lahore airport.
Among those joining him are Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, several key cabinet members, and other top-ranking officials.
After his arrival, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian visited the mausoleum of Pakistan’s national poet Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal in Lahore.
He laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum and offered fateha.
On this occasion, the Khateeb of the historic Badshahi Mosque, Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad offered special prayers for the strengthening of Pak-Iran relations, prosperity and development of Pakistan and the well-being of Muslims.
The Iranian president recorded his impressions for Allama Iqbal’s literary legacy in the visitors’ book.
During stay in Lahore, the Iranian delegation will pay their respects at the mausoleum of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, a gesture underscoring the cultural and historical connection between the two nations.
Later, President Masoud Pezeshkian left for Islamabad, where he will engage in discussions with key Pakistani leaders.
According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office (FO), during his stay, Dr. Pezeshkian is scheduled to meet with President Asif Ali Zardari and hold wide-ranging discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The talks will take place at the delegation level and are expected to focus on enhancing cooperation between the two neighbouring countries across various sectors.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last visited Tehran on May 26, 2025, highlighting the continued high-level engagement between Islamabad and Tehran.
The Iranian president's visit is seen as a significant step toward deepening the longstanding brotherly relationship between Pakistan and Iran.
Speaking to newsmen in Tehran before departing for Pakistan, President Pezeshkian said that strengthening economic and trade relations would be the central focus of his trip.
He mentioned that discussions would also address issues related to border stability and regional harmony.
Highlighting the potential of cross-border trade and improved regional connectivity, he noted that such initiatives could pave the way for broader cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
The Iranian president expressed optimism about increasing bilateral trade to $10 billion, signaling a strong commitment to deepening economic ties.
He also reaffirmed Iran’s keen interest in taking an active role in the China–Pakistan Belt and Road Initiative, describing it as a strategic link that could facilitate Iran’s access to European markets.
President Pezeshkian dismissed any efforts aimed at creating divisions between Iran and Pakistan, asserting that attempts to disrupt the unity rooted in their shared Islamic values would not succeed.
The visit is seen as a significant step toward enhancing mutual trust and exploring new avenues of partnership between Pakistan and Iran.