Iranian President Arrives in Pakistan Today on First Official Visit

News Desk

Islamabad: Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian is set to arrive in Pakistan today (Saturday) for a two-day official visit, marking his first trip to the country since taking office.

The visit comes at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and is expected to add new momentum to the already close relations between the two neighbouring countries.

Dr Pezeshkian will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, senior cabinet members, and top officials.

During the visit, the two sides are expected to hold wide-ranging talks on political, economic, and regional developments.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, President Pezeshkian’s visit is poised to be a key milestone in deepening bilateral ties. His itinerary includes meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Delegation-level discussions will cover a broad spectrum of issues, including trade, border security, regional peace, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

In preparation for the high-profile visit, Islamabad has been adorned with national flags of both countries and welcome banners, while security has been significantly tightened.

Speaking to reporters, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said the visit would help open “new dimensions” in relations between the two brotherly Islamic nations.

He highlighted the importance of the timing, noting that “this visit comes at a critical juncture for the region,” and expressed hope for enhanced mutual cooperation. He also recalled that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Iran earlier this year on May 26.

Iranian President’s Political Adviser Mehdi Sanai also underscored the visit’s broader scope, revealing that Dr Pezeshkian would meet with Pakistani cultural and business leaders. Sanai noted that the bilateral relationship spans political, economic, religious, and cultural spheres.

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/iranian-president-to-arrive-in-islamabad-on-saturday/

Currently, trade between Iran and Pakistan stands at approximately $3 billion. Both sides are expected to explore opportunities to expand this figure, particularly through increased cooperation in border provinces.

Dr Pezeshkian becomes the second Iranian president to visit Pakistan in the past two years. His predecessor, Ebrahim Raisi, visited Islamabad in April 2024, just weeks before his tragic death in a helicopter crash. President Pezeshkian later attended Raisi’s memorial ceremony in Tehran, where he met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The Iranian leader’s visit comes against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions, including the recent conflict between Iran and Israel. Observers view the trip as part of Tehran’s renewed push to strengthen ties with neighbouring states amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and growing international pressure.

During Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Iran earlier this year, both countries had pledged to enhance regional connectivity, promote trade, and jointly condemned Israeli aggression in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire.

Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to playing a constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the region through dialogue and diplomacy.

In a recent meeting with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged Pakistan’s regional efforts, particularly its stance on promoting peace in the Middle East.

President Pezeshkian’s visit is expected to reinforce shared commitments and pave the way for deeper cooperation on bilateral and regional fronts.