Iranian president reaches Islamabad after paying tribute at Iqbal mausoleum

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Islamabad on Saturday after visiting Lahore, where he paid tribute at the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal.

At Noor Khan Air Base, he was received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and other senior officials. A 21-gun salute was accorded to the visiting dignitary, who is accompanied by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and a high-level delegation.

Earlier, President Pezeshkian began his two-day official visit to Pakistan — his first since assuming office — when he landed at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport. He was warmly welcomed by Pakistan Muslim League-N President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

In Lahore, the Iranian president visited the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal, where he laid a wreath and offered Fateha, led by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee and Khateeb of Badshahi Masjid.

He was accompanied by Maryam Nawaz, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, and Provincial Information Minister Azma Bokhari. President Pezeshkian also signed the visitors’ book, praising Iqbal’s “visionary contributions to Islamic philosophy and the Pakistan Movement.”

According to the Foreign Office, the Iranian leader will meet President Asif Ali Zardari and hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his stay.

Speaking to the media before his visit, President Pezeshkian said the primary objective of his trip was to enhance trade and economic cooperation. He stated that matters concerning border security and regional peace would also be discussed, adding that cross-border markets and connectivity could open new avenues for collaboration.

He expressed hope to raise bilateral trade to US$10 billion and reiterated Iran’s interest in actively participating in the China–Pakistan Belt and Road Initiative, which he said could serve as a bridge connecting Iran with Europe. He also affirmed that attempts to undermine Pakistan–Iran Islamic unity would be unsuccessful.

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In May, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif undertook a two-day visit to Iran as part of his regional tour to friendly nations, aimed at expressing gratitude for their support during the conflict with India. During the visit, he met with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and President Pezeshkian.

The discussions focused on strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations, with particular emphasis on enhancing trade and regional connectivity. Both sides also addressed broader regional issues and acknowledged Iran’s efforts to promote peace during the war imposed on Pakistan by India.