Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan on Saturday for a two-day official visit, marking his first trip to the country since assuming office.
After a brief stop in Lahore, President Pezeshkian reached Islamabad, where he was received at the airport by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and Information Minister Atta Tarar.
Upon arrival in the capital, the Iranian president was accorded a 21-gun salute in line with diplomatic protocol.
During the visit, President Pezeshkian is scheduled to hold meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The discussions are expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in trade, energy, border security, and regional affairs.
During the visit, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will also hold important talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties, with a particular focus on trade, regional cooperation, and border security, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
Earlier, the Iranian leader, accompanied by a high-level delegation including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and senior cabinet members, landed in Lahore where he received a warm welcome.
Pakistan Muslim League-N leader Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz welcomed the dignitaries at the airport, presenting bouquets and exchanging greetings.
Expressing gratitude for the reception, President Pezeshkian later visited the Mausoleum of Allama Iqbal along with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, senior provincial minister Maryam Aurangzeb, and other officials.
He laid a floral wreath, offered prayers, and wrote his impressions in the visitors’ book, paying tribute to the philosopher-poet and visionary of Pakistan.
President Pezeshkian is also expected to hold meetings with other senior officials in Islamabad on Sunday.
According to diplomatic sources, Iran is particularly keen to expand trade with China via Pakistan, with Pezeshkian stating, “Through the Silk Road, we can connect with both Pakistan and China.”
The visit is seen as a diplomatic step forward in boosting economic and strategic ties between the two neighbouring countries, especially in the context of growing regional connectivity.
Earlier, talking to the media in Tehran before his departure, the Iranian president said: “We want to increase the volume of Pak-Iran trade to $10 billion. Trade relations between Pakistan and Iran are excellent. We can connect with Pakistan and China through the Silk Road, and this road can go to Europe via Iran.”
Pakistan and Iran have signed several agreements in the fields of trade, energy, and security in recent years.
In April 2024, former Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi paid a three-day visit to Pakistan, during which agreements were signed on cooperation in the fields of trade, health, culture, agriculture, science and technology, and the judiciary.
According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the purpose of the visit is to further strengthen the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran and to explore new avenues for bilateral cooperation.
It may be recalled that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last visited Iran on May 26, 2025.
