Masoud Pezeshkian: Iran President Arrived in Lahore on August 2, 2025, for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening trade and diplomatic ties with Pakistan. He was welcomed at the airport by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, marking his first official trip to Pakistan since assuming office.
Details from Foreign Office After Iran President Arrived in Lahore
According to the Foreign Office, the visit underscores both nations’ commitment to increasing annual bilateral trade to $10 billion, a target that was originally agreed upon in April 2024 during a meeting with late President Ebrahim Raisi. Pezeshkian emphasized enhancing trade routes by land, air, and sea, with a focus on connecting through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Silk Road, linking Asia to Europe via Iran.
The Iranian president and his delegation—comprising Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, senior ministers, and top officials—visited Mazar-i-Iqbal in Lahore before heading to Islamabad. There, he is expected to meet with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to finalize trade and security agreements ahead of the upcoming Joint Economic Commission meeting in Tehran.
In recent weeks, Pakistan pledged to support efforts to defuse tensions between Iran and the United States, signaling a growing diplomatic role in the region. Pezeshkian acknowledged Pakistan’s solidarity during recent escalations involving Israel and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, appreciating Islamabad’s stance in favor of Iran’s sovereignty and regional stability.
He also highlighted the shared cultural, religious, and historical bonds between the two countries, stating: “Iran and Pakistan have enjoyed friendly and deep-rooted relations since Pakistan’s independence. We cooperate in economic, scientific, cultural, and border areas.”
Security remains a central focus of the visit, with both countries reaffirming the need for cooperative strategies to address border management, smuggling, and terrorism.
Before departing for Pakistan, Pezeshkian stressed Iran’s intent to maintain unity among Muslim nations, adding that “enemies aim to create division, but Iran remains committed to solidarity with Pakistan.”
The visit has generated cautious optimism on social media, with observers praising the potential for enhanced regional trade and geopolitical cooperation amid rising global tensions.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August. 2nd, 2025
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