ISLAMABAD – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday on a one-day official visit, receiving a warm welcome from Pakistan’s top leadership amid ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at easing regional tensions.
The Iranian president landed at Islamabad International Airport aboard a special aircraft and was accorded a red-carpet reception and guard of honour. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari and other senior officials welcomed the visiting dignitary. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was also present.
The visit comes a day after Pakistan and Qatar announced that the first round of high-level talks between the United States and Iran in Bürgenstock had resulted in a 60-day roadmap aimed at reaching a broader agreement.
According to Habibollah Abbasi, Director of Public Relations at the Iranian President’s Office, one of the key objectives of President Pezeshkian’s visit is to thank Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between Tehran and Washington.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the Iranian president is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers and senior government officials.
During the visit, President Pezeshkian is scheduled to hold separate meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The talks are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in trade, energy, border management, regional connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.
The Foreign Office said the visit would also provide an opportunity to review progress on diplomatic initiatives following the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and exchange views on regional and international developments.
In a statement, the Foreign Office said the visit reflects the commitment of Pakistan and Iran to further strengthen their longstanding ties and shared desire for peace, stability and sustainable development in the region.
Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi arrived before the arrival of President Masoud Pezeshkian.
This is President Pezeshkian’s second visit to Pakistan since assuming office.
Meanwhile, mediators involved in the US-Iran dialogue said the first round of negotiations had produced encouraging results. A joint statement issued by Pakistan and Qatar said both sides had agreed on a framework for further talks over the next 60 days, while technical discussions would continue throughout the week.
The statement also noted progress on efforts to reduce tensions in Lebanon and improve maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments.
US Vice President JD Vance described the initial negotiations as a positive step towards a broader agreement and said diplomacy remained the best path to achieving lasting peace in the region.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the continued engagement between the United States and Iran and thanked Qatar and Switzerland for facilitating and hosting the diplomatic process. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting dialogue and peaceful solutions to regional disputes.
Strait of Hormuz will be administered by Tehran, says Iran’s chief negotiator
