President Pezeshkian to visit Pakistan for first time, aims to enhance trade and border ties

ISLAMABAD – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will land in Pakistan on Saturday, embarking on his first official visit since taking office. The two-day trip, running from August 2 to 3, comes at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

According to the Foreign Office, President Pezeshkian will be accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, several senior ministers, and top Iranian officials. During the visit, he is scheduled to hold meetings with PM Shehbaz and President Asif Ali Zardari.

The focus of the visit will be to deepen bilateral ties across political, economic, cultural, and religious domains. Both sides are expected to explore ways to increase the current $3 billion in annual trade and promote cooperation in provincial and border areas.

Iranian Presidential Adviser Mehdi Sanai confirmed that meetings with cultural figures and business leaders are also planned. In a social media post, he emphasized the multidimensional nature of Iran-Pakistan relations.

This marks the second visit by an Iranian president in less than two years. In April 2024, President Ebrahim Raisi visited Pakistan in what turned out to be his final official tour before his death in a helicopter crash.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Shehbaz also visited Iran, meeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and other top Iranian officials to reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation.

The leaders also addressed key regional issues including the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and agreed to work together for peace and connectivity in South Asia and the Middle East.

President Pezeshkian’s trip is expected to revive momentum in bilateral relations and pave the way for strategic agreements in trade, border management, and cultural exchange.