ISLAMABAD; Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Islamabad as part of his first official visit to Pakistan, aimed at strengthening economic and strategic cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
He was warmly received by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif upon his arrival at the Nur Khan Air Base, after traveling from Lahore where he landed earlier at Allama Iqbal International Airport. In Lahore, the Iranian president was welcomed by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
President Pezeshkian is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, senior cabinet members, and top officials. His two-day visit follows an invitation extended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
During his stay, President Pezeshkian is scheduled to meet with President Asif Ali Zardari and hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The meetings are expected to focus on enhancing bilateral trade, economic collaboration, and regional connectivity.
Earlier, the Iranian president visited the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal in Lahore, where he offered fateha and penned his remarks in the visitors’ book after receiving a ceremonial guard of honour.
In Islamabad, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar also met with his Iranian counterpart Seyyed Abbas Araghchi. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to closer bilateral ties, emphasizing cooperation in areas such as regional stability, trade, and economic growth.
Speaking to media in Tehran before his departure, President Pezeshkian underscored that the primary objective of his visit was to strengthen commercial and economic ties with Pakistan. He expressed optimism about raising bilateral trade to $10 billion and noted Iran’s keen interest in participating in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), part of the broader Belt and Road Initiative.
He further emphasized the importance of cross-border markets and improved connectivity, stating that these steps could open new avenues for cooperation and regional integration.
