LAHORE: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday arrived in Pakistan on a two-day official visit as he aims at strengthening bilateral trade and economic relations between the two countries.
He was received by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Nawaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and other officials at the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore.
Dr Pezeshkian is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including the Foreign Minister of Iran, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, senior ministers, and other high-ranking officials.
He also paid his respects at Mazar-e-Iqbal amid tight security. Later in the day, he will heading to Islamabad for key meetings.
Before leaving for Pakistan, President Pezeshkian told the media in Tehran that key discussions with Islamabad will focus on border security and regional peace.
He noted that enhancing border markets and connectivity could open new avenues for bilateral cooperation.
The Iranian leader also signaled Iran’s interest in actively participating in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a major component of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which he believes could provide Iran with a vital link to Europe.
President Pezeshkian expressed hope that bilateral trade between Iran and Pakistan could be expanded to reach $10 billion.
He reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to Islamic unity between the two nations, warning that any attempts to disrupt this alliance would not succeed.
Foreign Office said the Iranian president is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
During his stay, President Pezeshkian will meet President Asif Ali Zardari, and hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
This marks Dr Pezeshkian’s first official visit to Pakistan as President of Iran. The visit is expected to further strengthen the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran.
It may be recalled that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last visited Iran on 26 May 2025.
In May 2025, the prime minister visited Iran where he held several meetings with key persons, including the Supreme Leader of Iran, Sayyed Ali Khamenei in Tehran.
During the meeting PM Shehbaz Sharif haid that his government is committed to further deepening strategic cooperation with Iran in the complex geo-political times.
The prime minister was accompanied by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi and Attaullah Tarar.
He also conveyed his deepest respect to the Iranian Supreme Leader underlining that he is an iconic figure in the Muslim World and the Muslim Ummah looks up to him for guidance and patronage.
The prime minister underlined that Pakistan always desires that peace could prevail in the region leading to economic development and prosperity.
Shehbaz Sharif briefed the Iranian Supreme Leader about recent conflict with India and India’s hegemonistic and revisionist designs and profusely thanked leadership of Iran for supporting Pakistan against Indian aggression.
He also briefed the Iranian Supreme Leader about the steps taken to elevate Pakistan-Iran ties to highest levels.
The prime minister praised the farsightedness of the Iranian leadership in pursuing the nuclear negotiations with the United States and hoped that a constructive deal between the two countries can promote peace and stability in the region.
Iranian Supreme Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei appreciated the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in promoting regional peace and stability with farsightedness and praised his personal commitment to further strengthen Pakistan-Iran ties. He prayed for greater prosperity, growth, and development of Pakistan and its people.
