Iranian President Pezeshkian welcomed with guard of honour at PM House

President of Iran Dr Masoud Pezeshkian was welcomed at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad with a guard of honour, as he paid a brief visit to Pakistan on Tuesday, a day after Iran and the United States held high-level talks in Switzerland.

The Iranian president is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

He was received and welcomed by President Asif Ali Zardari, PM Shehbaz and Deputy PM/ Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at the airport.

Upon his arrival, the Iranian president was accorded a 21-gun salute, while children dressed in traditional attire presented him with bouquets of flowers.

Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir ALSO called on the Iranian president, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

During the meeting, the two leaders exchanged views on regional developments and ongoing peace initiatives, according to an ISPR statement.

CDF Munir calls on Iranian president

CDF Munir, along with PM Shehbaz, had participated in direct talks between the United States and Iran held in Switzerland over the weekend, where the two sides discussed a framework for regional peace.

Both leaders have been engaged in efforts to promote peace in the Middle East following the outbreak of the US-Iran war on Feb. 28, when US-Israeli strikes targeted Tehran.

During the meeting, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive and responsible role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation, and regional stability,” the ISPR said.

He also acknowledged Pakistan’s “consistent efforts to encourage the peaceful resolution of disputes and foster understanding among regional stakeholders at a time of heightened geopolitical challenges.”

For his part, CDF Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to regional peace and stability, the statement said.

“Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations and maintaining close consultations on issues of mutual interest, with the shared objective of advancing peace, prosperity and stability across the region,” the ISPR added.

It is pertinent to mention that a squadron of Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder fighter jets also rendered a ceremonial salute in the honour of visiting dignitary.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office on Monday, Dr Pezeshkian will be accompanied by a high-level delegation during his visit, including ministers and other high-ranking officials.

During the visit, President Pezeshkian will meet President Zardari and hold talks with the prime minister. The chairman of the Senate, the speaker of the National Assembly, and DPM will also call on the Iranian president.

This will be Dr Pezeshkian’s second visit to Pakistan in his capacity as president of Iran.

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 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 visit reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Iran to further deepening their historic and cultural ties, and it underscores their common aspiration for peace, stability, and sustainable progress in the region.

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad today as part of the delegation accompanying Pezeshkian.

Upon arrival at Nur Khan Airbase, Araghchi was warmly received by DPM Dar.