TEHRAN/ISLAMABAD — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Islamabad on Saturday for a pivotal two-day official visit aimed at strengthening Iran’s political and economic relations with Pakistan. 
Welcomed by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior officials at Nur Khan Airbase, Pezeshkian’s trip underscores Tehran’s commitment to deepening regional cooperation amid evolving geopolitical challenges.
The visit comes at a crucial moment, as both countries navigate regional tensions following recent wars in West Asia and ongoing security concerns. It also reflects Iran’s strategic focus on economic diplomacy as a pillar of its foreign policy, particularly with neighboring states.
President Pezeshkian’s first stop was Lahore, where he paid respects at the mausoleum of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the renowned Persian-speaking poet and thinker whose vision inspired the creation of Pakistan. Accompanied by Punjab’s Chief Minister Nawaz Sharif and other dignitaries, Pezeshkian laid a wreath and signed the memorial guestbook, reaffirming the cultural and historical ties between the two nations.
Iqbal’s emphasis on Islamic identity, social justice, and spiritual awakening resonates deeply in both Iran and Pakistan. His legacy continues to inspire political and intellectual discourse across the Muslim world.
The core focus of Pezeshkian’s visit centers on enhancing economic cooperation and expanding bilateral trade, which has steadily grown despite regional headwinds. In the Iranian calendar year 1403 (March 2024–March 2025), trade between Tehran and Islamabad rose by 13.6 percent to an estimated $3.1 billion, with Iran maintaining a trade surplus nearly 3.5 times that of Pakistan.
Iran’s exports to Pakistan include petroleum products, dried milk, and dates, while Pakistan primarily exports rice and oilseeds to Iran. However, preliminary data from early 2025 indicate a 15 percent decline in trade volume due to ongoing security challenges and economic uncertainties.
President Pezeshkian announced ambitious plans to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion annually. “Our shared border and historical ties create unmatched opportunities for cooperation,” Pezeshkian said. “We must invest in infrastructure, logistics, and regulatory frameworks to realize this potential.”
A vital aspect of this strategy involves integrating Iran more closely with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship Belt and Road Initiative project connecting western China to the Arabian Sea via Pakistan’s Gwadar port. Iran’s geographic position offers the most direct link between CPEC and broader West and Central Asian markets.
Officials from both countries emphasized upgrading port facilities, improving maritime logistics, and modernizing rail and road links to boost transit and trade flows. Expanding free trade zones and establishing joint industrial parks along the border were also discussed to stimulate regional development and employment.
Iran’s role as a regional energy supplier featured prominently in discussions, with plans to enhance cooperation on pipelines and electricity grid interconnections. Diversifying bilateral trade beyond energy and raw materials into pharmaceuticals, industrial goods, and agriculture could help build more resilient economic ties.
The presence of Iran’s Ministers of Defense, Road and Urban Development, and Foreign Affairs, alongside their Pakistani counterparts, highlights the visit’s multifaceted agenda, covering security, 

infrastructure, and economic collaboration.
Both nations confront common threats from extremist groups and external interference aimed at destabilizing the region. Strengthened intelligence sharing and security coordination are critical to safeguarding trade corridors and supporting investment.
Pezeshkian’s visit follows sustained diplomatic engagement, including multiple high-level meetings and phone calls between Iranian and Pakistani leaders over the past year. These interactions signal a shared determination to deepen cooperation despite regional turbulence.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan released a statement highlighting the significance of the visit, saying Pakistan is committed to further strengthening bilateral ties, especially in trade, energy, and security sectors, which are vital for regional stability and prosperity. 
Both nations, it said, share a vision for a peaceful and connected region, and this visit will lay the groundwork for enhanced collaboration in the coming years.
Beyond economics, the visit symbolizes a reaffirmation of Tehran-Islamabad ties as two Muslim-majority neighbors committed to regional stability and self-reliance. As the countries approach the 78th anniversary of their diplomatic relationship, officials stressed mutual respect and cultural affinity as foundations for a durable partnership.
Amid sanctions on Iran and shifting global power dynamics, closer ties with Pakistan offer Tehran a valuable strategic partner. The visit underscores Iran’s pragmatic approach to foreign policy—balancing traditional cultural connections with forward-looking economic integration.
The two sides plan to convene a joint economic commission meeting in Tehran soon to formalize agreements on trade, infrastructure, and security cooperation. Enhanced private sector engagement, streamlined banking and customs procedures, and joint investment projects are high on the agenda.
With political will and mutual trust, Iran and Pakistan aim to transform their historic relationship into a model of regional partnership that promotes prosperity and stability.
President Pezeshkian’s visit thus marks a significant milestone in Tehran’s policy of strengthening neighborly bonds and fostering resilient economic networks in a complex and changing regional environment.