ISLAMABAD: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is arriving in Pakistan today (Tuesday) on an official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation in key sectors, including trade, energy, border security, regional connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges.
According to the Foreign Office, President Pezeshkian will meet President Asif Ali Zardari and hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He is also scheduled to meet Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
The Foreign Office described the visit as an important opportunity to review the full spectrum of Pakistan-Iran relations and discuss ongoing diplomatic engagements following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest.
“This will be Dr. Pezeshkian’s second visit to Pakistan as President of Iran and reflects the shared commitment of both countries to deepen their historic and cultural ties while promoting peace, stability, and sustainable progress in the region,” the FO stated.
Enhanced Security Measures in Islamabad
Extensive security arrangements have been put in place across Islamabad for the visit. All major bus terminals, including those at Faizabad and Chongi No. 26, were ordered to suspend operations from Monday night until the Iranian president’s departure.
The Red Zone has been sealed, with access restricted to authorized personnel only. Due to the security lockdown, the Islamabad High Court cancelled judicial proceedings for Tuesday and directed officials to work from home, while district courts will continue functioning as usual.
The federal government has also implemented a one-day work-from-home policy for ministries and government offices located within the Red Zone. However, essential institutions, including the Prime Minister’s Office, Parliament, key ministries, and federal banking institutions, remain exempt from the directive.
Additionally, the Islamabad administration has temporarily closed all major hiking trails, including Trails 2, 3, 4, and 5, as well as hiking routes near Saidpur Village, until further notice.
Visit Follows US-Iran Peace Talks in Switzerland
President Pezeshkian’s visit comes shortly after significant direct talks between the United States and Iran, known as the “Lake Lucerne Summit,” held in Switzerland under the framework of the Islamabad MoU signed on June 18.
The negotiations, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, resulted in a 14-point roadmap aimed at ending hostilities, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and addressing key issues through negotiations within 60 days. Pakistan was represented by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir.
The summit established mechanisms for continued technical discussions, communication channels to prevent misunderstandings in the Strait of Hormuz, and a de-confliction framework involving Lebanese authorities to help maintain regional stability.
Officials from the mediating countries described the outcome as “encouraging progress,” expressing optimism about future diplomatic engagement and efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.
Additional input from APP
