Iran's President Pezeshkian welcomed with guard of honour at PM House

AI Summary

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Islamabad and was welcomed with a guard of honour during talks focused on regional peace initiatives and strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations. Meetings included Pakistan's Prime Minister, President, and Defence Chiefs, emphasizing efforts to promote dialogue, stability, and cooperation following the US-Iran war.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was welcomed at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad with a guard of honour, as he paid a brief visit to Pakistan on Tuesday. Pezeshkian is on an official visit to Pakistan at Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s invitation. The visiting dignitary is set to meet President Asif Ali Zardari and hold talks with PM Shehbaz, according to the Foreign Office (FO). Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq will call on the Iranian president. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who was part of the US-Iran talks held in Switzerland over the weekend, is also accompanying Pezeshkian during the visit. The two Iranian leaders had arrived in Pakistan on separate flights earlier in the day. Pezeshkian flew to the federal capital from Iran, while Araghchi’s last engagement was in Oman. CDF Munir, Pezeshkian discuss ‘peace initiatives’ Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir called on the Iranian president, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. They exchanged views on “regional developments and peace initiatives”, the ISPR said in a statement. CDF Munir, along with PM Shehbaz, had participated in the direct talks held between the United States and Iran in Switzerland over the weekend, where they discussed a framework for regional peace. Both leaders have been involved in efforts to secure peace in the Middle East after the US-Iran war erupted on February 28 as US-Israeli strikes hit Tehran. During his meeting with the army chief, Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive and responsible role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation, and regional stability”, the ISPR said. It added that he acknowledged Pakistan’s “consistent efforts to encourage peaceful resolution of disputes and foster understanding among regional stakeholders at a time of heightened geopolitical challenges”. On his part, CDF Munir reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to peace and stability in the region, the statement noted. “Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations and maintaining close consultations on issues of mutual interest, with the shared objective of advancing peace, prosperity and stability across the region,” it read. Iran president, FM arrive President Pezeshkian, upon his arrival at the Nur Khan airbase, was received by President Zardari, PM Shehbaz, Deputy PM Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Iran’s envoy to Islamabad Reza Amiri Moghaddam. FM Araghchi, who had already landed in Pakistan, was also present to welcome his president. Pezeshkian was accorded a 21-gun salute, while fighter jets conducted a flypast in his honour, state-run APP reported. The president waved in response to the children’s welcoming slogans, it added. Iran’s state media IRNA reported that FM Araghchi held talks with President Zardari and PM Shehbaz “only hours” before Pezeshkian landed in Pakistan. Upon his arrival at Rawalpindi’s Nur Khan airbase earlier in the day, the top Iranian diplomat was welcomed by Dar, Naqvi and Bilawal. “The leadership and people of Pakistan extend a warm welcome to Foreign Minister Araghchi and the Iranian delegation to Islamabad,” the Foreign Office said (FO). Both sides to review ‘full spectrum’ of bilateral relations In an earlier statement, the FO noted Pezeshkian’s visit is his second to Pakistan in his capacity as the president of Iran. It said the visit would provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, energy, border security, people-to-people exchanges and regional connectivity. It also termed the visit an “important opportunity to discuss ongoing diplomatic engagements following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest”. “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 FO added. IHC, FCC cancel judicial work; govt tells Red Zone employees to work from home The Islamabad High Court (IHC) also cancelled judicial work for Tuesday, due to the closure of the Red Zone for the Iranian president’s visit. A notification issued by the IHC said that Tuesday’s cause list had been cancelled, adding that officials were directed to work from home. However, it added that district courts would function as per routine. Similarly, the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) also announced the suspension of judicial work at its principal seat in Islamabad due to the closure of the Red Zone in Islamabad. “Cons