Iranian President Receives Warm Welcome on First Visit to Pakistan

LAHORE: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan on Saturday for his first official two-day visit, accompanied by a high-level delegation.

The visit marks a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries.

Upon arrival at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, President Pezeshkian was accorded a red carpet welcome. He was received by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The airport was decorated with the national flags of Pakistan and Iran to commemorate the occasion.

As part of his Lahore itinerary, the Iranian President visited the Mausoleum of Allama Iqbal, paying tribute to Pakistan’s national poet and philosopher. He is scheduled to travel to Islamabad later today for high-level meetings with key Pakistani leadership.

During his stay in Islamabad, President Pezeshkian will meet with President Asif Ali Zardari, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani.

Speaking to media prior to his departure from Tehran, President Pezeshkian highlighted the primary objective of his visit — to deepen economic and trade cooperation with Pakistan. He emphasized the importance of enhancing border security and promoting regional peace, stating that cross-border markets and improved connectivity could pave the way for new avenues of collaboration.

He further expressed Iran’s ambition to increase bilateral trade volume with Pakistan to $10 billion, and showed strong interest in participating in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He noted that such involvement could provide Iran with strategic access to European markets.

President Pezeshkian also underlined the importance of Islamic unity, asserting that any efforts to sow discord between Iran and Pakistan would be firmly resisted.