LAHORE/ISLAMABAD; Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Lahore on Saturday for a two-day official visit to Pakistan, aimed at boosting bilateral trade, deepening strategic cooperation, and reinforcing regional peace and border security.
Upon arrival at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport, President Pezeshkian was warmly received by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. This marks Pezeshkian’s first visit to Pakistan since assuming office and the second by an Iranian president in the past two years.
Accompanied by a high-level delegation including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and senior Iranian officials, President Pezeshkian laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal before heading to Islamabad for formal meetings.
According to the Foreign Office, the Iranian president will hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and meet with President Asif Ali Zardari. The discussions are expected to focus on trade, energy, regional connectivity, and security cooperation.
Speaking in Tehran prior to his departure, President Pezeshkian said the objective of his visit is to enhance economic and commercial ties with Pakistan, expressing hope that the annual bilateral trade volume that is currently at $3 billion can be expanded to $10 billionin the coming years.
“Iran seeks to broaden trade through land, sea, and air routes, and envisions deeper participation in CPEC under the Belt and Road Initiative,” he stated.
Highlighting the importance of regional peace and unity, the Iranian president stressed that border security and stability are mutual concerns. “Iran and Pakistan enjoy friendly, historic ties rooted in cultural, religious, and economic cooperation,” he said, adding that “the enemies aim to create division among Muslims, but through mutual solidarity, we will counter these efforts.”
Pezeshkian also acknowledged Pakistan’s vocal support during recent tensions involving Israel and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. “Pakistan condemned foreign aggression and reiterated its support for Iran’s sovereignty and the unity of the Muslim world,” he noted.
During his stay, the Iranian leader will also engage with cultural and business communities, as part of efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties and advance cross-border collaboration.
President Pezeshkian’s visit comes just months after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s own visit to Iran in May, and the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s official trip to Pakistan in April 2024 — underscoring growing momentum in Islamabad-Tehran relations.
