Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian paid his first official visit to Pakistan on August 2-3, 2025, signaling a new phase in bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries. He was warmly received by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior leaders upon arrival at Islamabad’s Nur Khan Airbase, with ceremonies reflecting the visit’s importance. Before reaching Islamabad, Pezeshkian stopped in Lahore, where he visited the mausoleum of national poet Allama Iqbal and was greeted by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
During meetings with Prime Minister Sharif, President Pezeshkian and his delegation discussed expanding economic cooperation, border security, and regional stability. Both sides agreed on a goal to raise annual bilateral trade to $10 billion, a significant increase from previous levels, and exchanged 12 agreements and memorandums of understanding focusing on trade, energy, infrastructure, customs, cultural exchanges, and tourism. Discussions emphasized reducing trade barriers, enhancing border markets, and reviving stalled energy projects like the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline.
The two countries pledged to strengthen joint efforts in counterterrorism and to improve security along their 900-kilometer shared border. Pakistan reiterated its support for Iran’s right to pursue a peaceful nuclear program, a gesture appreciated by Tehran amid international tensions.
This visit marks the fifth high-level meeting between Pakistani and Iranian leaders in the past year and reinforces Islamabad’s growing diplomatic role in regional peace efforts, including facilitating dialogue between Iran and the US. The visit is viewed as a foundation for deeper strategic, economic, and political ties moving forward.
