ISLAMABAD – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was formally received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House on Sunday, where he was presented with a ceremonial guard of honour. The welcoming event marks the beginning of an important diplomatic engagement between the two neighbouring countries.
President Pezeshkian, who arrived in Pakistan on Saturday for his maiden visit, is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising senior ministers and top officials. He was earlier welcomed in Lahore by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif.
Following the official welcome, President Pezeshkian and PM Shehbaz will hold a bilateral meeting, followed by delegation-level talks. Both sides are expected to sign a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering cooperation in multiple sectors. The talks will conclude with a joint press conference by the two leaders.
A day earlier, the Iranian president paid his respects at the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal in Lahore, where he also received a ceremonial guard of honour. Before departing Tehran, President Pezeshkian expressed optimism about raising bilateral trade between Iran and Pakistan to $10 billion, and reaffirmed Iran’s interest in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a core component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
This marks the second visit by an Iranian president to Pakistan in two years, following Ebrahim Raisi’s visit in April 2024, just a month before his tragic death in a helicopter crash.
Pakistan, Iran Reaffirm Commitment to Strengthen Political and Economic Ties
During the visit, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with President Pezeshkian and reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep-rooted commitment to strengthening its brotherly ties with Iran. A statement from the Foreign Office emphasized the historical, cultural, and religious bonds that underpin the bilateral relationship.
President Pezeshkian, in turn, acknowledged Pakistan’s longstanding support and stressed Iran’s commitment to enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest, especially in the political and economic spheres. He also expressed enthusiasm for engaging in meaningful dialogue with Pakistani leadership to elevate ties to a new level.
Speaking to the media later, FM Dar echoed the Iranian president’s aspirations to expand trade and economic collaboration. He warmly welcomed the vision to increase trade to $10 billion, describing it as a “need of the hour” and vital for regional development.
“It is very heart-warming and a pressing need to build strong economic coordination between the two brotherly nations,” Dar remarked.
President Pezeshkian’s visit is expected to serve as a catalyst for deepening bilateral engagement and revitalising strategic cooperation between Pakistan and Iran.
