ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday on an official one-day visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
President Asif Zardari, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed the Iranian president upon his arrival at Nur Khan Airbase.
As part of the ceremonial welcome, Dr. Pezeshkian was accorded a 21-gun salute, while JF-17 fighter jets of the Pakistan Air Force conducted a flypast in his honour, state-run APP reported. The children dressed in traditional attire also presented flowers to the dignitary.
In addition, Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.
The plane on which the Iranian president arrived was identified as Minab 168, a symbolic tribute to the 168 children martyred in the school attack by the US and Israel in Iran’s Minab city.
ایران کے صدر ڈاکٹر مسعود پزشکیان اسلام آباد پہنچ گئے۔ ایران کے وزیرِ خارجہ عباس عراقچی اور ایران کا اعلیٰ سطحی وفد بھی صدر مسعود پزشکیان کے ہمراہ ہے۔ ایرانی صدر ڈاکٹر مسعود پزشکیان کا ایئرپورٹ پر شاندار استقبال کیا گیا۔ انہیں 21 توپوں کی سلامی دی گئی، جبکہ پاک فضائیہ کے جے ایف-17… pic.twitter.com/VYCWB9GMuZ
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 23, 2026
The Iranian president and foreign minister arrived in Pakistan in separate planes. Pezeshkian flew to Islamabad from Iran, while Araghchi came after the last engagement from Oman.
Earlier, Foreign Minister of Iran, Abbas Araghchi, arrived in Islamabad on his state visit to Pakistan, a press statement issued by the Foreign Office Spokesperson said.
Upon arrival at Nur Khan Airbase, Foreign Minister Araghchi was warmly received by Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Bilawal Bhutto.
“Pakistan and Iran share strong brotherly ties, deeply rooted in history, faith, and culture. The leadership and people of Pakistan extend a warm welcome to Foreign Minister Araghchi and the Iranian delegation to Islamabad,” the statement added.
Iranian officials say that the purpose of the visit is to appreciate Pakistan’s efforts for US-Iran mediation, and he will also thank Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his mediation role during his visit.
This is Dr. Pezeshkian’s second visit to Pakistan in his capacity as President of Iran.
Pezeshkian to meet top leadership
Earlier on Monday, the Foreign Office spokesperson said that Masoud Pezeshkian will meet the President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, and hold talks with the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
“The Chairman of the Senate, the Speaker of the National Assembly, and the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister will also call on the Iranian President.”
During the visit, the two sides will “review the full spectrum of bilateral relations” and explore new avenues to further deepen cooperation across diverse sectors, including trade, energy, border security, people-to-people exchanges, and regional connectivity, the spokesperson added.
Moreover, the FO statement stated that “the visit will also provide an important opportunity to discuss ongoing diplomatic engagements following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest.”
“The forthcoming visit reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Iran to further deepen their historic and cultural ties and underscores their common aspiration for peace, stability, and sustainable progress in the region.”
Iranian state media IRNA reported that the objectives of the visit include thanking Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif for playing an important role in mediation between Iran and the US.
