PM Shehbaz welcomes Iranian President Pezeshkian in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian upon his arrival in Islamabad on Saturday on a two-day visit for talks on bilateral, regional and international issues, officials said.

The Iranian president had landed in Lahore where he was received by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, ministers and senior officials.

He spent a few hours in Lahore, where he visited the mausoleum of Poet of the East Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal and offer fateha.

The Iranian president then headed for Islamabad to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who had invited him to visit Pakistan.

His official engagements are scheduled for Sunday.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Information Minister Ata Tarar were also present at the Noor Khan Airbase to welcome the visiting dignitary.

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Iranian sources said that Dr Pezeshkian would offer thanks to the Pakistani political and military leaders and the people for their firm support in the 12-day Israeli aggression against the Iran in June.

Dr Pezeshkian is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, senior ministers and other high-ranking officials, according to a Pakistan’s Foreign Office statement. 

During his stay in Pakistan, President Pezeshkian will meet with 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. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last visited Iran on 26 May 2025.

“The visit is expected to further strengthen the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran,” the Foreign Office said.

Both countries will sign several agreements to enhance cooperation in culture, border trade, transportation, tourism, cultural exchange and customs, officials say.

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Sources said that National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani and the military leaders would also meet Dr Pezeshkian in Islamabad.