Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday on a state visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warmly received the Iranian President upon his arrival at Nur Khan Airbase.

As part of the ceremonial welcome, President Pezeshkian was accorded a 21-gun salute, while fighter jets conducted a flypast in his honour.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.

President Pezeshkian was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Speaker of Iran Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and other high-ranking officials.

President Pezeshkian arrived at the Prime Minister’s House, where he was given a guard of honour.

The Iranian president also planted a sapling in the PM House lawn.

The Iranian president’s plane was escorted by Pakistan Air Force fighter jets, while children dressed in traditional attire presented him with bouquets upon arrival.

This is Dr Pezeshkian’s second visit to Pakistan in his capacity as President of Iran.

The one-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and reviewing progress on the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

The visit is intended in part to acknowledge Pakistan’s efforts in facilitating the US-Iran mediation process.

Foreign Office spokesman Tahir Hussain Andrabi said President Pezeshkian will hold separate meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehba Sharif.

He will also meet Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.

According to the Foreign Office, the two sides will hold detailed discussions on trade, energy cooperation, border management and people-to-people contacts.

They will also review progress on the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and exchange views on regional and international developments.

The meetings are expected to cover the full spectrum of Pakistan-Iran relations and explore ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.