LAHORE – August 2, 2025: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan on Saturday for a significant two-day official visit — his first since taking office. His arrival marks a new chapter in Pakistan-Iran relations, with a focus on deepening economic, trade, and diplomatic ties.
President Pezeshkian landed at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, where he received a warm welcome from senior Pakistani leaders. Among those greeting him were Pakistan Muslim League-N President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, according to a report by Express News.
High-Level Iranian Delegation Accompanies President Pezeshkian
The Iranian head of state is accompanied by a high-ranking delegation that includes Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, senior cabinet members, and top officials. As per a statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Office, President Pezeshkian is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari and hold comprehensive talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
These talks are expected to cover a wide range of issues including regional peace, border security, and economic cooperation.
Economic Partnership and Border Security High on the Agenda
Before departing for Pakistan, President Pezeshkian addressed Iranian media and highlighted the purpose of his visit. He emphasized that boosting trade and economic collaboration was a primary goal. He noted that discussions would also include cross-border trade, border security, and regional connectivity initiatives.
"We are optimistic about expanding bilateral trade to $10 billion, and we see Pakistan as a key partner in regional development," he said. He also reaffirmed Iran’s keen interest in participating in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) — a core component of the Belt and Road Initiative. President Pezeshkian described the initiative as a “strategic link” that could connect Iran to Europe through Pakistan.
He further stated that no external attempts to damage Islamic unity between Iran and Pakistan would succeed, stressing the importance of religious, historical, and cultural bonds between the two neighboring countries.
Follow-Up to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Visit to Iran
This visit follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s diplomatic mission to Iran in May 2025, during which he met with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and President Pezeshkian. That visit, part of a regional tour, aimed to express Pakistan’s appreciation for Iran’s support amid tensions with India.
During those discussions, the two sides explored mutual efforts to enhance trade, promote regional connectivity, and reinforce bilateral cooperation in diplomatic and security affairs.
President Pezeshkian’s current visit is expected to further advance these dialogues and set the stage for stronger Pakistan-Iran ties, especially in the fields of infrastructure development, border trade, and energy cooperation.
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