By Our Correspondent
ISLAMABAD — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday on an official visit aimed at strengthening ties between Pakistan and Iran and discussing regional developments, trade, energy cooperation and border security.
President Pezeshkian’s visit comes at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and marks his second trip to Pakistan since assuming office. He was welcomed at Nur Khan Airbase with a 21-gun salute and a ceremonial flypast by fighter jets. President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghaddam received the visiting leader.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who arrived separately from Oman after participating in diplomatic engagements over the weekend, was also present to receive President Pezeshkian. Earlier in the day, Araghchi held meetings with President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to Iranian state media.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the visit offers an opportunity for both countries to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, energy, regional connectivity, border security and people-to-people exchanges.
During his stay, President Pezeshkian is scheduled to hold talks with President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz, while Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Deputy Prime Minister Dar are also expected to meet the Iranian leader.
The Foreign Office described the visit as an important occasion to discuss ongoing diplomatic efforts and regional developments of mutual interest, saying it reflects the shared commitment of both countries to deepen their historic and cultural ties and promote peace and stability in the region.
Security arrangements in Islamabad were significantly tightened ahead of the visit. Authorities sealed the Red Zone, suspended access to several hiking trails and ordered government offices located in the high-security area to operate remotely. The Islamabad High Court and the Federal Constitutional Court cancelled judicial proceedings for the day, while all major bus terminals in the capital were temporarily shut down until the departure of the Iranian president.
The visit comes amid renewed diplomatic activity in the region, with Pakistan and Iran seeking closer cooperation on political, economic and security issues.
