ISLAMABAD – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan on Saturday for a two-day state visit, his first since assuming office, following an invitation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The visit aims to bolster political, economic, and security cooperation between the two neighboring nations.
High-Level Engagements on the Agenda
Accompanied by a high-powered delegation, including Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, President Pezeshkian is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari and hold delegation-level talks with PM Shehbaz. Discussions will focus on:
-
Enhancing bilateral trade, currently valued at $3 billion
-
Expanding cross-border and provincial cooperation
-
Addressing regional issues, including the Gaza conflict and South Asian stability
A Continuation of Diplomatic Momentum
This visit follows PM Shehbaz’s May 2025 trip to Iran, where he met Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and discussed regional connectivity and strategic ties. Notably, it comes just months after the tragic death of former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who had visited Pakistan in April 2024.
Strengthening a Multifaceted Partnership
Mehdi Sanai, Political Adviser to the Iranian President, emphasized that the relationship spans political, economic, religious, and cultural spheres. The visit was initially planned for late July but was rescheduled to align with both nations’ diplomatic calendars.
As Pezeshkian becomes the second Iranian president in two years to visit Pakistan, analysts see this as a push to revive stalled projects, including energy partnerships and security coordination, amid shifting regional dynamics.