LAHORE – Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan on Saturday for a two-day official visit aimed at deepening economic cooperation and promoting regional
President Pezeshkian and his high-level delegation — which includes Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and senior cabinet members — were warmly received at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, and other dignitaries.
During his stay, the Iranian president is expected to meet Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and hold formal talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, his visit is taking place at the invitation of the Pakistani premier.
Before departing Tehran, Dr. Pezeshkian emphasized that his agenda in Pakistan would prioritize border security, regional cooperation, and expansion of trade. He noted the potential for developing border markets and enhancing connectivity, stating that such steps could unlock new opportunities for both nations.
The Iranian president also expressed a keen interest in Iran’s involvement in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), part of the broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He underscored the strategic value of CPEC in linking Iran to European markets.
Highlighting the longstanding cultural and religious ties between the two neighbors, President Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran’s dedication to Islamic unity and warned that efforts to weaken this alliance would be unsuccessful. He also expressed optimism that the volume of bilateral trade could eventually reach $10 billion.
Following his arrival in Lahore, the Iranian leader visited the Mazar-e-Iqbal before proceeding to the capital for high-level engagements.
This visit reciprocates Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s own official trip to Iran on May 26, 2025, during which he held wide-ranging discussions with Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei.
Accompanied by senior officials such as Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, PM Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to strengthen strategic ties with Iran amid evolving regional dynamics. He conveyed deep respect for the Iranian Supreme Leader, describing him as a towering figure in the Muslim world.
PM Sharif also briefed Ayatollah Khamenei on Pakistan’s tensions with India and expressed gratitude for Iran’s diplomatic support against Indian aggression. Discussions also covered efforts to elevate bilateral relations and the importance of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States.
Ayatollah Khamenei, in turn, lauded PM Sharif’s role in fostering regional peace and emphasized the need for continued cooperation between the two nations. He extended prayers for Pakistan’s prosperity and success.
President Pezeshkian’s ongoing visit is widely seen as a step toward building on this momentum and reaffirming both countries’ shared vision for stability, growth, and stronger neighborly relations.
