Iranian President Arrives in Lahore for Official Visit

The President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, commenced a two-day official visit to Lahore on Saturday. He is accompanied by a prominent delegation that includes key ministers and high-ranking government representatives.

According to a statement from the Foreign Office, President Pezeshkian is scheduled to meet with President Asif Ali Zardari and participate in extensive delegation-level discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This visit marks President Pezeshkian’s first official trip to Pakistan since assuming office. Prime Minister Shehbaz previously visited Iran on May 26.

It is anticipated that the president’s visit will deepen the amicable ties between Pakistan and Iran. Mehdi Sanai, the Political Adviser to the Iranian President, stated that the agenda includes formal meetings and dialogues with individuals prominent in cultural and business sectors. In a post on X dated July 30, Sanai highlighted the multifaceted relationship between the two nations, encompassing political, economic, religious, and cultural dimensions. A key goal of this visit is to enhance provincial and border cooperation, with the objective of increasing trade beyond the current $3 billion.

President Pezeshkian’s visit marks the second time an Iranian president has visited Pakistan in the last two years. Originally planned for the last week of July, the visit follows Ebrahim Raisi’s three-day official visit to Pakistan in April 2024, which occurred shortly before his passing in a helicopter accident. Earlier in May, Prime Minister Shehbaz made a two-day official visit to Iran as part of a regional tour to nations that have demonstrated support during the conflict with India.

During his visit in May, Prime Minister Shehbaz engaged with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and the Iranian president. Discussions centered on strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations, especially focusing on advancing trade, improving regional connectivity, and addressing regional issues. Appreciation was expressed for Iran’s role in fostering peace in the region during the conflict imposed on Pakistan. Both parties also explored ways to reinforce strategic ties, emphasizing the need to end the oppression in Gaza immediately and establish a lasting ceasefire.

The Prime Minister also traveled to Iran in May 2024 to attend the memorial service for former President Raisi.