Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian landed in Islamabad for an official visit on Tuesday, along with a high-level delegation, in the wake of the recent US-Iran war and Islamabad’s role in facilitating diplomatic efforts that culminated in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The Iranian president was received by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The Pakistan Air Force’s JF-17 fighter jets flew a ceremonial flypast to honour the visiting dignitary, and upon arrival, a 21-gun salute was presented in Pezeshkian’s honour.
Pakistani authorities rolled out a full ceremonial welcome at the airport for President @drpezeshkian. In a display of respect, Its Air Force jets conducted a flyover as Pezeshkian’s aircraft approached, followed by a 21-gun salute in recognition of Iran’s senior delegation. pic.twitter.com/rwdXk7Emr7
— IRNA News Agency ☫ (@IrnaEnglish) June 23, 2026
Children dressed in traditional attire welcomed the Iranian president with bouquets and waved the flags of Pakistan and Iran. President Pezeshkian acknowledged their welcome by waving back.
Later, the Iranian president arrived at the Prime Minister’s House, where he was received by Prime Minister Shehbaz. A contingent of the armed forces presented him with a guard of honour.
The two leaders exchanged pleasantries before attending a ceremony held in honour of the visiting president at the Prime Minister’s House.
President Pezeshkian is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz. The visit is his first since the ceasefire between Iran and the United States.
During the visit, the Pakistan College of Physicians and Surgeons will confer an honorary fellowship on the Iranian president. The two leaders will also address the media.
Munir, Iranian president discuss regional peace
Later, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir called on Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, during which the two sides exchanged views on regional developments and initiatives aimed at promoting peace.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s constructive and responsible role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation and regional stability. He also acknowledged Islamabad’s consistent efforts to encourage the peaceful resolution of disputes and foster understanding among regional stakeholders at a time of heightened geopolitical challenges.
Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to regional peace and stability, the statement said.
The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Iran ties and maintaining close consultations on issues of mutual interest, with the shared objective of advancing peace, prosperity and stability across the region.
Araghchi arrives
Iranian FM Araghchi arrived in Islamabad earlier on Tuesday as part of the delegation accompanying President Pezeshkian on his visit, according to a statement released by the Foreign Office.
Foreign Minister of Iran, H.E. Seyyed Abbas Araghchi @araghchi arrived in Islamabad today as part of the delegation accompanying the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, on his State Visit to Pakistan.
Upon arrival at Nur Khan Airbase, Foreign… pic.twitter.com/g2hFXaTTiz
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 23, 2026
FO said Araghchi was “warmly received” by DPM Dar upon his arrival at Nur Khan Airbase. The statement added that Pakistan and Iran share “strong brotherly ties, deeply rooted in history, faith, and culture”, and extended a warm welcome to the Iranian delegation.
Moments after touching down in Islamabad, Foreign Minister @araghchi was welcomed by his Pakistani counterpart @MIshaqDar50 and footage of the reception has now been released. pic.twitter.com/sVITdbWprK
— IRNA News Agency ☫ (@IrnaEnglish) June 23, 2026
According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a meeting with President Zardari and PM Shehbaz just hours before President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan.
Exclusive IRNA footage shows Foreign Minister @araghchi holding talks with Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister @CMShehbaz only hours before President @drpezeshkian lands in the country. pic.twitter.com/K9LaTSEA0R
— IRNA News Agency ☫ (@IrnaEnglish) June 23, 2026
Official visit
The visit comes days after Iran and the US signed the Islamabad MoU, a framework agreement aimed at ending months of conflict and creating a pathway towards a comprehensive settlement. Pakistan played a central mediating role in the diplomatic process that led to the agreement.
ایران کے صدر ڈاکٹر مسعود پزشکیان آج پاکستان کا دورہ کر رہے ہیں#MasoudPezeshkian #CDFForGlobalStability #CDFGlobalPeacemaker #PakistanForPeace #CDFLedTheWayToPeace #CDFAsimMunir pic.twitter.com/kQst8SVfEd
— APP (@appcsocialmedia) June 23, 2026
During the visit, Pezeshkian is expected to hold talks with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who chaired the quadrilateral talks-US-Iran-Pakistan-Qatar-in the Swiss lake city of Burgenstock on Sunday.
According to the Foreign Office, the two sides would review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and explore ways to deepen cooperation in trade, energy, border security, people-to-people exchanges and regional connectivity.
“The forthcoming visit reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Iran to further deepen their historic and cultural ties and underscores their common aspiration for peace, stability, and sustainable progress in the region,” the statement said.
The visit will also provide an opportunity to discuss the implementation of understandings reached under the Islamabad MoU as well as broader regional and international developments.
Read: Pezeshkian due today on key post-war visit
Officials said the trip underscores the growing importance of Pakistan-Iran engagement at a time of major geopolitical shifts in the region and reflects the shared desire of both countries to promote peace, stability and economic cooperation.
President Pezeshkian, who will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers and senior officials, is expected to personally convey Tehran’s appreciation for Pakistan’s diplomatic support during the conflict and its efforts to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States, diplomatic sources said.
This will be President Pezeshkian’s second visit to Pakistan since assuming office. The two neighbours have in recent years sought to strengthen economic ties, enhance border cooperation and increase bilateral trade. The one-day trip would be Pezeshkian’s first overseas visit since the US and Israel launched a war on Iran in late February.
Traffic plan and security arrangement
Meanwhile, stringent security arrangements have been put in place in Rawalpindi for the Iranian president’s visit, with heightened security deployed at Nur Khan Airbase and surrounding areas.
More than 600 officers and personnel of the Rawalpindi police have been deployed for security duties until the president’s departure.
According to the police, additional personnel have been stationed at key points connecting Rawalpindi and Islamabad, while no cross traffic will be allowed during VIP movement.
Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) on Tuesday issued an alternate traffic plan following the arrival of foreign delegations and announced that the entry of all types of heavy vehicles into the federal capital from any direction would remain suspended until further orders.
An ITP official told APP that all entry points to the Red Zone, except those from Marriott and Margalla Road, would remain completely closed for all types of traffic, while special traffic arrangements and diversions had been put in place on major roads across the capital.
The official said traffic diversions would remain in effect on the Expressway from Koral to Faizabad, Murree Road and Club Road, while Srinagar Highway from Zero Point to Dhokri Chowk would remain completely closed for traffic movement.
According to the alternate traffic plan, traffic travelling between Faisal Avenue and Zero Point would be diverted towards 9th Avenue.
In case of closure between Zero Point and Koral Chowk, commuters may use Srinagar Highway, 9th Avenue, Stadium Road, Murree Road, Chandni Chowk and Rawal Road to reach Koral and adjoining areas. The official said traffic from Park Road would be diverted towards Tramri Chowk if Club Road remains closed.
Citizens travelling between Bhara Kahu and Rawalpindi have been advised to use Korang Road, Bani Gala and Lehtrar Road as alternate routes. Similarly, motorists travelling between Rawalpindi Saddar and Islamabad may use Colonel Sher Khan Road, Fakhr-e-Alam Road or 9th Avenue to avoid delays.
The official said heavy traffic travelling from Peshawar to Lahore via GT Road should use Taxila, Motorway, Chakri Interchange, Chak Beli Road and Rawat GT Road, while heavy vehicles travelling from Lahore to Peshawar should use Rawat GT Road, Chak Beli Road, Chakri Interchange, Motorway and Taxila.
Citizens were advised to plan their travel in advance and follow the alternate traffic plan to avoid inconvenience during the movement of foreign delegations.
For further information and real-time traffic updates, commuters may follow the Islamabad Traffic Police WhatsApp Channel, Islamabad Police social media platforms and tune in to ITP FM 92.4, the official added.
Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) on Tuesday issued an alternate traffic plan following the arrival of foreign delegations and announced that the entry of all types of heavy vehicles into the federal capital from any direction would remain suspended until further orders.#Islamabad pic.twitter.com/5u84afAP9v
— APP (@appcsocialmedia) June 23, 2026
Earlier, Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency also reported that President Pezeshkian was scheduled to visit Pakistan on Tuesday. Pezeshkian paid a state visit to Pakistan last August.
The news came a day after the US and Iran agreed on a roadmap aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days after the conclusion of the first session of high-level talks held under the Islamabad MoU in Switzerland.
The first round of four-party talks involving Iran and the US, with mediation by Qatar and Pakistan, concluded in Switzerland, marking the first formal follow-up engagement since the signing of the agreement earlier this week.
On June 18, PM Shehbaz signed the ‘Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding’ as a mediator, formalising the major diplomatic breakthrough between the US and Iran. Israel, left out of the peace talks, has distanced itself from the US-Iran accord and kept up fighting against Hezbollah in Lebanon, also raising questions about whether the agreement would hold.
The US and Israel launched the war on Iran on February 28, assassinating Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and military leaders on the first day. It quickly spiralled into a regional conflict that has killed more than 7,000 people, mostly in Iran and Lebanon; driven up energy prices; renewed inflationary pressures and sparked concerns about a major food supply crisis in developing countries.Latest News, Breaking News & Top News Stories | The Express TribuneWeb DeskRead More